Travel Leaders Group has reached an agreement to acquire Barrhead Travel Group, one of Scotland’s largest retail travel companies and one of the largest in the UK.

The company will become part of Travel Leaders Group’s growing presence in the UK and around the world. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter.

“Barrhead is a great addition to our family of brands. It’s an innovative, award-winning travel business that is on a trajectory for continued growth,” said Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko, CTC.

“From its high-touch retail travel superstores to its online presence, Barrhead offers personalised attention, technology tools, highly-trained travel specialists and a wide range of travel products and services.”

He continued, “Bill and Sharon Munro have devoted their careers to building this extraordinary business. We’re pleased that the Munro family is entrusting the future of Barrhead, its employees, agents and customers to our organisation. We’re excited about this chance to expand our presence in Scotland and the UK overall and the opportunities this affords both companies.”

Barrhead will retain its brand identity within the Travel Leaders UK portfolio and its chief executive Sharon Munro will continue to manage the business. Her father and company founder, Bill Munro, will serve in a strategic advisory role as chairman of the Barrhead division within Travel Leaders Group. No major changes in operations are anticipated.

 

“Joining with Travel Leaders Group will give us the resources to expand into additional markets, access to new technology and the ability to innovate,” said Sharon Munro (pictured). “This agreement creates exciting new prospects for both our enterprises.”

Bill Munro added: “This is great news for our staff, our customers and our suppliers.”

Mr Chacko added: “Barrhead’s successful ‘click, call and visit’ model and its cadre of highly-trained travel professionals has positioned the company as a leading multi-channel retailer for cruises, custom vacations and business travel.”

Once the transaction is finalised, Travel Leaders UK portfolio will include Barrhead, Colletts Travel, Protravel International UK and Tzell UK. Combined, these four brands, together with ALTOUR UK, specializing in entertainment and corporate travel, and its recent merger with Travel Leaders Group Holdings, will rank among the top travel management companies in the UK.

Travel Leaders Group is one of North America’s largest travel companies – encompassing nearly one-third of all travel agents on the continent.