BDB Pitmans act on Distant Journeys MBO
Oliver Kelly Partner
Sean Kelly Partner
Philip Alfandary Partner
Oliver Willis Partner
Brian Gegg Partner
Leah Houghton Associate
Chris Greep Senior Associate
Rebecca Swift Trainee Solicitor
David Crease Solicitor
Law firm BDB Pitmans has advised the shareholders and management team of the award-winning travel company Distant Journeys on its management buy-out (MBO) and investment funding.
The MBO and funding will see the provider of long-haul escorted tours enhance its offer in established markets and expand into new destinations.
This deal reinforces BDB Pitmans’ market-leading expertise in the travel trade sector with more than 40 deals completed with a combined value exceeding £500 million.
BDB Pitmans acted for the shareholders of Distant Journeys on their sale and reinvestment and also for the new management team. The MBO was accompanied by a multi-million-pound investment, including £15.2 million from private equity investors Mobeus. Distant Journeys Managing Director Simon Whittle will remain with the company to lead growth and new initiatives.
The BDB Pitmans team was led by corporate partners Oliver Kelly and Sean Kelly, supported by Leah Houghton, Rebecca Swift and Fin Mckenzie. Philip Alfandary provided corporate tax advice. Partner Oliver Willis and Beth Massey provided commercial and data protection advice and partner Brian Gegg, Chris Greep and David Crease advised on employment law matters.
Stewart Lambert and leading travel sector specialists The Firebird Partnership as well as White Hart Associates also advised the shareholders and management team of Distant Journeys.
Oliver Kelly said:
‘We are thrilled to have advised the founders, shareholders and the management team of Distant Journeys on their MBO. The MBO has seen a significant cash injection that will underpin an exciting new journey of growth.’
Andrew Laycock, a Director at Distant Journeys said:
‘I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the team at BDB Pitmans for its outstanding efforts in completing the sale of Distant Journeys. The professionalism, dedication and expertise from the firm throughout this process have been truly invaluable.
‘From the initial stages of negotiations to the completion of the deal, the guidance and strategic counsel from the firm played a pivotal role in achieving our goals. The firm’s attention to detail, meticulous planning and proactive approach ensured a smooth transaction and instilled confidence in all stakeholders involved.
‘The firm’s professionalism and integrity have set a benchmark for service excellence, and we feel fortunate to have had BDB Pitmans by our side throughout the last few months.’
This article has also been shared in Inside Media Limited and the Southampton Echo.
