NEW staycation holiday specialist Caledonian Leisure Ltd has secured a multi-million-pound investment from Mobeus Equity Partners, the investors behind the recent IPO of Virgin Wines and the proposed IPO of Parsley Box.
Caledonian Leisure Ltd will offer great value short breaks and holidays throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe under the brands Caledonian Travel and UKBreakaways.com.
Greg Blin, Investment Director at Mobeus, said, “Mobeus is backing an extremely passionate management team which has decades of experience in delivering UK-based, value short breaks to hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers. With the pandemic opening customers’ eyes to the enduring appeal of a UK staycation, we believe the business is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the spike in demand as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased and thrive thereafter.”
Graham Rogers, Managing Director at Caledonian Leisure Ltd, said, “It was always our absolute priority to find the right kind of partner for the business and we are delighted to welcome Mobeus on board. From the outset the whole Mobeus team bought into our vision for Caledonian Leisure Ltd, and we look forward to working together to implement our strategy.”
Having secured the investment, the highly experienced team behind Caledonian Leisure Ltd is now in the process of launching a programme of coach and self-drive holidays for 2021.
From seaside getaways and city breaks to family attractions and sporting events, Caledonian Travel will offer a broad choice of coach breaks while UKBreakaways.com will allow customers to enjoy the freedom to make their own way by car or train.
As the UK travels cautiously through the Government’s roadmap, Caledonian Leisure expects customers will be able to holiday with the brands from June onwards or when all Government restrictions are lifted.
In line with its ambitious growth plans, the management team has been working carefully to: ensure the safety of all its customers; secure tickets to some of the biggest and best events; build partnerships with great hotels; develop websites, digital campaigns and brochures; and create an independent Trust Fund in the pursuit of industry-leading protection for customers’ money.
Caledonian Leisure Ltd is headed by Non-Executive Chairman Gary Speakman as well as Managing Director Graham Rogers and Commercial Director Martin Lock. Product Director Carl Brackenbury, Finance Director David McDonald and IT & Digital Director Mark Williams comprise the remaining founding shareholders.
The team’s comprehensive business strategy to grow the Caledonian Travel and UKBreakaways.com brands, combined with their vast experience in UK short breaks, were key factors in securing the funding.
The Mobeus deal team comprised Partner Trevor Hope and Investment Director Greg Blin. Mobeus was advised by The Firebird Partnership (Commercial), Allen Consulting Limited (Financial), Stuart Lynn Consulting (IT), Neotas (Management) and Marriott Harrison / Fox Williams (Legal).
Caledonian Leisure Ltd was advised by Tim Simpson and Ian Hale of Park Place Corporate Finance LLP and David Strachan and Daniel Bisby of Schofield Sweeney.
