The Kuoni Group acquires UK-based CV Travel, continuing its strategy
of expansion within the premium and specialist leisure travel
segments. 

CV Travel is a well-established specialist tour operator
providing luxury villas and ski chalet holidays for discerning
customers in the UK travel market.

Effective July 1, 2007 Kuoni UK acquires CV Travel from John Boyle, a
leading travel industry entrepreneur,  who is best known as the
founder of Direct Holidays and Zoom Airlines. Established in 1972,  CV
Travel is extremely well positioned in the UK premium leisure travel
segment. The company originally specialised in renting private villas
in Corfu, but has since expanded successfully into many other areas.
Under the “CV” brand, exclusive luxury private villas with their own
pools are offered throughout Europe with a key focus on Greece,
France and Italy. A choice of long-haul destinations such as Morocco,
Oman and the Caribbean have more recently been added to its
portfolio.  First class private villas are offered by “Owners’
Syndicate” where the emphasis is more on long-haul, particularly the
Caribbean. “Ski Verbier” offers top quality hotels and the ultimate
in Swiss luxury ski chalets in Verbier, each with professional staff
who deliver exceptional levels of service, and often with their own
chefs fresh from the UK’s top restaurants.
CV Travel is renowned for its passion for quality in everything it
does. As market leader in the luxury villa segment,  it has an
enviable reputation for delivering a high level of individual service
to meet each customer’s specific requirements, whether for couples,
families or corporate clients. The company continues this impressive
service for its customers whilst on holiday, catering for a whole
array of extra services such as private transfers,  concierge
services, and making arrangements for the holiday’s dining,  whether
it’s food hampers on arrival or the services of a private chef
throughout.
The company’s products are sold primarily direct to the public and
with some independent travel agents,  generating a total turnover of
around CHF 35 million (£  14.7 million)  last year,  with a current
workforce of 40 employees.  The parties agreed not to divulge the
purchase price involved.
Kuoni intends to maintain the successful CV brands, which are well
respected in the UK travel market. The present management team and
staff will be retained to further develop the company and its
products and help ensure their ongoing success and growth.  In
organisational terms,  CV Travel will remain an independent unit as
part of the Kuoni UK group of companies.
“We are delighted to welcome the three excellent brands of CV Travel
- Ski Verbier, Owners’ Syndicate and CV - into the Kuoni family. They
make a great addition to our UK portfolio,” says Armin Meier, CEO of
the Kuoni Group.  Sue Biggs, Managing Director Kuoni UK,  continues:
” CV Travel is an aspirational brand that offers the very best in
luxury travel. In addition, its strength in the independent villa
market, particularly in Europe, adds welcome depth to Kuoni UK’s mix
 
of specialist companies and products.”
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