Hays Travel has acquired Millington Travel for an undisclosed amount, formally integrating the Midlands-based independent travel agency into its operational portfolio. This strategic transaction sees Hays Travel, a leading independent travel agent, significantly expand its presence and capabilities by incorporating Millington Travel’s extensive experience and established regional footprint. This is a corporate acquisition, clearly distinct from a funding round, marking a notable consolidation within the UK's independent travel sector.
Millington Travel has built a reputation over more than 40 years of independent trading, excelling in booking flights, car hire, and hotels. The company offers expert advice for a diverse range of holiday types, including golf breaks, cruises, late deals, and bespoke trips to destinations such as Lapland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, and Dubai. Known for its independence, Millington Travel consistently provides a wide selection from numerous UK tour operators, prioritising honest, dependable advice and high service standards, reflective of its family values. Its operations span multiple branches across the Midlands, encompassing key locations within Leicestershire, Warwickshire, and Northamptonshire, providing local expertise.
This acquisition is strategically designed to capitalise on Millington Travel’s deep market penetration and loyal customer base throughout Central England. Hays Travel will integrate Millington’s specialised expertise in various holiday segments and leverage its network of local branches, which are expected to enhance Hays’ overall geographical reach and operational capacity. The anticipated synergies involve combining Hays’ national scale and buying power with Millington’s focused regional presence and customer-centric ethos. This integration aims to maintain and elevate the independent travel advice and broad choice that both companies offer. The newly combined entity is positioned to deliver an even broader array of travel solutions and enhanced customer service across an expanded network, strengthening its competitive standing in the UK travel market.