ECI Partners, the UK growth focused mid-market private equity firm, has taken a majority stake in premium rail travel company, Amber Travel.

The transaction values the business at over £50 million and represents a successful exit for Primary Capital who invested in Amber in 2005.

With a turnover of £67 million per annum, York-based Amber Travel is the UK’s leading specialist, rail tour business, offering escorted group holidays to destinations around the world.

The business is growing strongly with turnover growth of over 20 per cent anticipated in 2013.

Established in 1980, the company now offers 300 different itineraries across 40 countries, ranging from Europe to Africa, North America, Asia, Russia and Australia.

Last year, 50,000 customers went on an Amber rail holiday.

The company’s strong focus on customer service is borne out by high levels of repeat business.

Amber caters for a growing demographic group of relatively affluent, mostly retired travellers who prioritise travel spend within their household budgets.

The company operates through three brands Great Rail Journeys, Treyn and RailSelect.com.

Amber Travel executive chairman Nick Cust said: “We are delighted to welcome ECI Partners aboard Amber. 

“As a management team we are very excited about partnering with ECI, an organisation with a long and positive track record of past and current ownership of travel businesses.”