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This high-end travel management company has been acquired by a US giant

London-based business travel management company, Statesman Travel Group, has been acquired by Omaha’s Travel and Transport in a deal that marks a significant return for the Business Growth Fund (BGF).

The deal for the high-end travel firm, which provides travel management services for businesspeople and other individuals requiring high levels of service, has been acquired by its US rival in an all-cash deal for an undisclosed sum.

With a similar customer base and presence in the UK market, Travel and Transport identified Statesman as having a ‘global strategic fit’ for its operations, where it will integrated neatly into its travel services business.

Back in 2007, Statesmen was acquired by joint Managing Directors, Mervyn Williamson and Jon Langley, who have since steadily grown the business to provide for over 250 customers. The high value nature of those customers demonstrated by the fact that the firm is now in the top 10 of UK travel companies in terms of transactional volume.

Following the acquisition, Kevin O’Malley, President and Chief Executive of Travel and Transport, said: “We look forward to welcoming all of Statesman Travel Group’s employees and customers to the Travel and Transport family and we are excited that Mervyn Williamson will continue to lead the UK organisation.”

The realisation of BGF’s investment comes after the investor became a minority shareholder in Statesman following a £4.25m investment back in 2011, which it used to acquire Commodore International Travel.

Statesman Managing Director, Mervyn Williams commented: “We have benefitted over the years from BGF’s financial backing and sound advice. As BGF’s second investment, we have watched the company and team grow. Throughout our partnership, they have been supportive of our goals and ambitions.

“We look forward to taking the next steps in Statesman’s journey with Travel and Transport, exploring the synergies between the two businesses and adding further value to our customers.”

BGF investor, Will Gresty, who spearheaded the initial investment and served as non-executive director will step down from his role following the acquisition.

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