Case Study - Travel Class

Travel Class are a specialist provider of residential activity courses and ski trips for schools and was originally located in New Milton, Hampshire.

Stewart Lambert was approached by the management team of Ian Finlay and Lisa Wright to assist and advise them on their management buy out. Stewart worked with the management team to produce a business plan and secured financing on attractive terms from a bank and venture capital company.  The business was acquired for c.£2.5million.

Approximately 12 months after completing the MBO, the management team were approached by one of their competitors who were looking to acquire them and bolster their existing school focused activities. Ian and Lisa again contacted Stewart Lambert and asked him to advise them during the process.

After discussion, a decision was taken to also introduce another acquirer, First Choice Holidays.  The business was eventually sold for c£7m+ to First Choice with the company’s value being nearly tripled in just over a year.

Both Ian and Lisa remain with TUI / First Choice with Ian now responsible for all the school related business in the Group.