Audley Travel investor 3i appoints advisor to assess ‘strategic options’

The major investor in Audley Travel, 3i, has appointed an advisor to help assess its strategic options “as it plans for the next stage of its growth”.

The investment company has been the major investor in Audley Travel since 2015, overseeing the continued growth and development of the tailor-made operator.

This has included its successful US expansion – which now generates a third of total sales – along with diversification of the product base and “re-platforming of the entire technology stack”.

A statement from Audley Travel said: “3i has now appointed Baird as an advisor to assist Audley in determining and assessing its strategic options as it plans for the next stage of its growth.

“No decision has been taken yet regarding the next steps for Audley, including whether that will lead to a sale or 3i continuing to hold the asset.”

News about Audley Travel and 3i comes as the travel sector is becoming more attractive to private equity investment.

Risk Capital Partners co-founder Luke Johnson said on Thursday that since the company had invested in Simpson Travel earlier this year, there has been other activity around Martin Randall Travel and Newmarket Holidays as well as M&A rumours about Audley Travel.

He made his comments at the annual conference of accountancy firm Xeinadin, formerly known as Elman Wall.