Fred Olsen Travel has acquired Cambridgeshire agency Ponders Travel.
The agency, in Over, was founded by Clare Dudley in 2010 and has always been a licensee of Fred Olsen, operating independently.
Following the acquisition, the branch will continue to operate under the Ponders Travel brand but will benefit from Fred Olsen’s marketing support.
All five of the agency’s staff members have been transferred across to Fred Olsen, with Clare becoming Business Development Manager, to integrate and further grow the business.
Managing Director Julie Berry said: “We are delighted that Clare Dudley and the team at Ponders Travel will be joining Fred Olsen Travel.
“We have always enjoyed a strong partnership with Ponders Travel operating as one of our licensees over the years and now look forward to continuing this relationship.
“Their commitment to offering exceptional service and truly understanding the needs of the customers aligns very much with our own values at Fred Olsen Travel, and we are grateful for Clare’s trust in us as we proudly take Ponders Travel onto its next chapter.”
Clare added: “I’m delighted to share that Ponders Travel has been sold to Fred Olsen Travel, a long‑standing partner we know and trust.
“This marks a hugely positive step for Ponders, placing the day‑to‑day operational responsibilities of the business in the hands of an organisation that puts its people, including my wonderful team, and its customers at the heart of everything it does.
“For me personally, this transition means I can step back from the operational side and focus on what I truly love: helping people plan incredible holidays and delivering the personal, thoughtful service that Ponders is known for.
“Ponders remains in a strong position; it’s very much here to stay, and I’m confident it will continue to grow from strength to strength. Our customers, who my team and I will continue to look after, will be in exceptionally safe hands.”
