Inflexion: UK luxury tour operator Scott Dunn to acquire Singapore-based tailor-made holiday operator Country Holidays

LONDON, 16-Jan-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Inflexion is pleased to announce that our portfolio company, award-winning UK luxury tour operator Scott Dunn, will accelerate its growth in the Asian market with the acquisition of Country Holidays, a leading Singapore-based tailor-made holiday operator. The deal marks the second add-on for Scott Dunn since Inflexion backed the business in December 2014, having acquired San Diego-based Aardvark Safaris in April 2016.

Already present in Singapore for over a year, the transaction will make Scott Dunn the largest bespoke tour operator in Asia. Country Holidays was founded in 1994 by Theng Hwee Chang and today offers bespoke holidays to over 100 destinations worldwide. In addition to its Singapore headquarters, the business has offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Dubai, which together employ more than 50 travel professionals. The business will be rebranded as Scott Dunn over the next 12 months, with the teams merging and Theng Hwee becoming CEO of Scott Dunn Asia.

Simon Russell, CEO of Scott Dunn, commented: “Following our success in North America, we are turning attention to Asia. Acquiring an operator as established and reputable as Country Holidays step-changes our access to a market with a huge demand for luxury travel experiences. Country Holidays’ product portfolio and service ethic is the perfect fit for Scott Dunn. We look forward to rapidly capitalising on our combined position as the largest luxury tailormade travel business in Asia and continuing to offer our guests 24/7 service over the phone.”

Theng Hwee, President, Scott Dunn Asia said: “We are thrilled to become part of Scott Dunn. I am extremely proud of all we achieved in the last 23 years but this move will now accelerate our growth, with all the benefits that come from being part of a leading global organisation. Scott Dunn has an incredible heritage in bespoke luxury travel and I look forward to championing the brand in the Asia market.”

Simon Turner, Managing Partner at Inflexion, added: “In the three years since we partnered with Scott Dunn, we have worked with management to successfully expand the premium brand into the US and Asia. We have also enhanced the firm’s digital presence, creating a better guest experience and supporting sales growth. We look forward to integrating the Country Holidays business to further cater to the tremendous opportunity there.”

SOURCE: Inflexion Private Equity

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Sarah Gestetner
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Agnes Riousse 
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
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