Scott Dunn: The Journey to a $150 Million Acquisition by Flight Centre
Deal News | Jun 04, 2025 | Coutts & Co
The article discusses the acquisition of luxury travel company Scott Dunn by Flight Centre Travel Group for $150 million in 2023, recounting the company’s journey since its founding in 1986 by Andrew Dunn. Nine years prior, Dunn had sold a majority stake to Inflexion Private Equity but continued to lead as Global President, aiding in the company's growth with support from advisors like Cavendish. Through insightful conversations during the Business Insights Programme hosted by Coutts & Co., various executives, including Jenny Edwards from NatWest and partners from Inflexion and Cavendish, highlighted strategic growth moves, such as entry into the US market and strengthening management. Key figures underscored the importance of aligning values and strategic visions between founders and investors, demonstrating how Scott Dunn's growth trajectory was elevated by leveraging potential over immediate financial gain.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Travel and Leisure
- Corporate Advisory
Geography
- United Kingdom – The article discusses UK-based Scott Dunn and features insights from a Business Insights Program held in the UK.
Industry
- Private Equity – The article discusses the involvement of Inflexion Private Equity in the acquisition and growth strategies for Scott Dunn.
- Travel and Leisure – Scott Dunn is a luxury travel brand, and the article focuses on its business operations and growth in the travel industry.
- Corporate Advisory – Cavendish acted as a corporate advisor during the sale, providing strategic guidance and communication.
Financials
- $150 million – The acquisition price of Scott Dunn by Flight Centre Travel Group in 2023.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Dunn | Target Company | Company | A luxury travel brand founded in 1986, specializing in high-end holiday experiences. |
| Flight Centre Travel Group | Bidding Company | Company | Acquired Scott Dunn for $150 million in 2023. |
| Inflexion Private Equity | Private Equity Investor | Company | Purchased a majority stake in Scott Dunn nine years prior to its sale to Flight Centre. |
| Cavendish | Corporate Advisor | Company | Provided advisory services to Scott Dunn’s leadership team during its sale to Inflexion. |
| Andrew Dunn | Founder and Global President of Scott Dunn | Person | Established Scott Dunn at 22 and led the company for nearly 40 years. |
| Jenny Edwards | Moderator | Person | Managing Director, Head of High Growth at NatWest, facilitated discussions at the Business Insights Programme. |
| Philip Edmans | Partner at Inflexion | Person | Highlighted the strategic collaboration between Scott Dunn and Inflexion Private Equity. |
| Jonathan Buxton | Partner at Cavendish | Person | Advised Andrew Dunn on the sale to Inflexion Private Equity. |