Escorted tour specialist Travel Editions has been sold to the Artisan Travel Group for an undisclosed sum.
The deal was handled by consultancy The Firebird Partnership following a targeted process that attracted “a number of compelling offers”.
The business will continue be run by general manager Julie Martin and her senior team.
Co-founders Ed Coventry and John Dryden will retire after 30 years with the company.
Travel Editions was established in 1994 and has an emphasis on cultural tours.
Artisan was founded in 2002 and has been led by chief executive Amy Hope since a management buyout with private equity investment last September.
The independent tailor-made tour operator encompasses multiple travel brands including The Aurora Zone, the UK’s only holiday brand solely dedicated to Northern Lights trips.
Firebird co-founder Stewart Lambert, who led the sale and negotiations, said: “The Firebird team is delighted to have helped Ed and John
achieve the growth that delivered the valuation they were looking for.
“Travel Editions received a number of compelling offers through this process and has found an excellent home with Artisan.”
Amy Hope said: “We’re really proud to be working with Julie and her wonderful team in what is clearly going to be an outstanding partnership.
“Our two brands share a passion for bringing extraordinary travel experiences to our loyal customers.
“This is a great match and a great opportunity to go further together. We wish Ed and John a happy retirement, and look forward to the next chapter.”
Coventry and Dryden added in a joint statement: “This is a major achievement for both ourselves and the wider Travel Editions team – a fantastic result for everyone involved.
“We know Travel Editions is in expert hands going forward and wish to thank everyone who has been part of the business’s brilliant journey to this point.”