Schools’ operator Halsbury Travel Group makes first acquisition

Schools’ tour operator Halsbury Travel Group has bought IBT Travel with the support of investment group Literacy Capital.

It is the company’s first acquisition since it was bought by Literacy Capital, an investment fund set up with a charitable objective, in 2022.

IBT, founded in 1986, is based in Prestwick, Scotland, and provides ski and educational trips to both English and Scottish schools.

Halsbury Travel has been offering school trips for nearly 40 years and offers a range of products across ski, music, sport, languages and education.

As a result of the deal, Halsbury said it would be able to offer its trips to a wider client base and collaborate with IBT  to improve processes, systems and commercial practices.

IBT founder Iain Black said: “I believe Halsbury is the right home for IBT and I know that it will continue to thrive under its new ownership.”

Halsbury chief executive Robin Parry, who has worked in the industry for more than 30 years at operators including Discover the World, Gold Medal, Holidaybreak and Airtours, said: “Iain has built a fantastic business with a great reputation and excellent people.

“It is very complementary to Halsbury Travel and I am delighted it is now part of the group, enabling us to collectively grow and flourish. This is an exciting new chapter for Halsbury Travel Group.”