Specialist tour operator Wexas has bought independent wildlife operator 2by2 Holidays for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition includes the purchase of the share capital of the company, and all existing employees.
Claire Farley, Founder and Managing Director of 2by2 Holidays, is stepping down as a director, but will act on a part-time consultancy basis to ensure a smooth transition before retiring.
Wexas announced it was looking to grow its leisure travel business in September 2023, following the sale of its business travel arm.
Wexas MD Katherine Gershon said: “Since selling our corporate division, Wexas Travel Management, in 2023, we’ve been actively looking for potential travel acquisitions that complement our brands.
“We’re delighted to announce 2by2 Holidays as our first acquisition today.” She described 2by2 as ‘precisely the type of company we are looking for’.
“An operator-owned business, with a focus on the luxury of the experience and product expertise rather than simply focusing on five-star hotels and lodges. What’s more, the 2by2 Holidays’ wildlife and birding expertise sits well alongside Wexas’ own heritage of exploration and adventure and complements our existing brands: Wexas Travel, The Luxury Holiday Company and Best Served Scandinavia,” she added.
Claire launched 2by2 Holidays more than 20 years ago, offering wildlife holidays based on first-hand experience.
Its core destinations include East Africa and Southern Africa, as well as India, Sri Lanka and South and Central America.
It also offers tailor-made birding holidays to see rare breeds in destinations around the world. The majority of the holidays sold are direct to consumer, with approximately 10% from retail travel agents.
Claire said: “I know that Wexas, with its outstanding customer service, specialist team and focus on experiential travel is the ideal home for my business as I prepare to retire. Since I established the company in 2003, we have been dedicated to creating unforgettable holidays, allowing clients to experience the incredible and diverse wildlife of Africa, India and Latin America.”
