Transaction

James Villa Holidays Management

James Villa Holidays Limited, the UK’s leading tour operator specialising in villa holidays, was acquired in a management buy-out (MBO) supported by Bank of Scotland and a small group of private investors.

Mark Edwards, Bank of Scotland Director in Gatwick said, “James Villa Holidays Ltd has a proven and highly experienced management team with a clear strategy and excellent customer proposition. We are extremely pleased to be a chosen partner to help the business through its next growth phase and look forward to working with such an established and respected business.”

The MBO was led by Tony Wheble, the company’s chief executive, Jo Afridi (Overseas Director), Simon Grigg (Finance Director) and Richard Moger (Director of IT Services) who have been with the company for a combined total of twenty-eight years.

James Needham, the founder and former majority shareholder, has retained an interest in the business and will become non-executive chairman. Chief Executive Tony Wheble said, “The management team are delighted to have the opportunity to lead the business through its next growth phase. James Villas is a well known brand with a loyal and expanding customer base. We are confident that further exciting growth streams exist that will help us to develop the business further in the UK and internationally. The potential to become a significant brand in the self catering market is something the whole team are motivated by and focused on.”

Peter Counsell, director of Meta Corporate Finance commented, “James Villas is the leading brand in its sector, due in no small part to the skills and experience of the management team. The pragmatic approach of the team and its funders will stand the business in good stead as it embarks on its next phase of growth under new ownership.”

Client:

James Villa Holidays

Service:

MBOs/MBIs

Region:

Sector:

Food & Beverage/Leisure & Tourism

META Project Lead

Peter Counsell

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Murston Plant

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