Vitruvian Partners has acquired Great Rail Journeys, a UK-based provider of escorted tours, in a buyout from private equity firm Duke Street. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Great Rail Journeys, headquartered in York and founded in 1973, offers more than 400 itineraries across 40 countries. Its multimodal travel experiences include rail, river cruises, and land tours, catering primarily to travellers aged 55 and over. The company will continue to be led by Chief Executive Officer Dave Riley, who will focus on further growth in the United Kingdom, the United States and other international markets with the backing of Vitruvian.
Under Duke Street’s ownership since 2018, Great Rail Journeys has expanded significantly, particularly in the US, while also enhancing its technology platform and digital capabilities. “The business has transformed in that time, becoming the leading multi-source travel business in our sector,” said Riley. “We’ve tripled the size of our US business, achieved market-leading growth in the UK, and expanded beyond rail with our European river cruises and land touring programme.”
Looking ahead, Riley added: “For 50 years, we’ve set the standard in escorted tours. I’m excited about the next chapter and look forward to working with Vitruvian to deliver on our growth ambitions.”
Vitruvian Partners brings extensive experience in the travel technology sector, with current and past investments including Klook, Civitatis, Travel Counsellors, Sykes Cottages, Skyscanner, and JacTravel. Ben Johnson, Partner at Vitruvian, said: “We see Great Rail Journeys as a business with multiple growth avenues and an attractive demographic. We’re excited to support the company’s ambition to become a global leader in escorted travel, especially for those at a stage in life where they have time to enjoy unique rail and river-based experiences.”
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