Hays Travel Expands with Acquisition of Cruise.co.uk
Deal News | Jul 31, 2025 | Philip Hare & Associates LLP
Hays Travel, advised by Philip Hare & Associates LLP, has acquired the Victoria Travel Group, the company behind Cruise.co.uk, as part of its strategic growth plan to expand its presence in the online cruise retail market. This acquisition not only marks Hays Travel's first foray into acquiring an online travel agency but also signifies its initial expansion into international territories with brands like Seascanner and Kreuzfahrtberater.de, a German cruise platform. The Victoria Travel Group has demonstrated strong financial performance, citing a total transaction value of £252 million, and this acquisition is aligned with Hays Travel's focus on enhancing its cruise offerings and growth trajectory. Muckle LLP supported Hays Travel with legal and corporate finance advice, continuing their long-standing advisory role in previous acquisitions.
Sectors
- Travel and Tourism
- Corporate Finance and Legal Advisory
Geography
- United Kingdom – Hays Travel is a UK-based company, and the acquisition includes UK travel entities.
- Germany – Inclusion of the German cruise platform Kreuzfahrtberater.de marks Hays Travel's expansion into Germany.
Industry
- Travel and Tourism – The article focuses on the acquisition of an online travel agency and cruise operations, which are part of the travel and tourism industry.
- Corporate Finance and Legal Advisory – Involvement of corporate finance and legal advisory firms such as Philip Hare & Associates LLP and Muckle LLP, showcasing the professional services sector.
Financials
- £252 million – Total transaction value posted by Victoria Travel Group in its latest financial year.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hays Travel | Acquirer | Company | A UK-based travel agency acquiring the Victoria Travel Group. |
| Victoria Travel Group | Target Company | Company | The parent company behind the online cruise retail site Cruise.co.uk. |
| Philip Hare & Associates LLP | Advisor | Company | Provided legal and corporate finance advice to Hays Travel on the acquisition. |
| Muckle LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal support for the acquisition deal for Hays Travel. |
| Dame Irene Hays | Owner & Chair | Person | The owner and chair of Hays Travel. |
| Stephanie Brown | Deal Lead | Person | Partner leading the legal team from Muckle on the Hays Travel acquisition. |
| Philip Clare | Deal Lead | Person | Partner leading the legal team from Muckle on the Hays Travel acquisition. |
| Ben Evans | Solicitor | Person | Corporate team solicitor at Muckle involved in the transaction. |
| Ken Campling | Financial Director | Person | Financial director at Hays Travel. |