Starting with just one self-catering cottage, Dorset Coastal Cottages was founded by the Smith family in 1992. Today it offers 200 holiday homes in prime locations along the Jurassic Coast.
The Travel Chapter, headquartered in Bideford, North Devon and with offices across the UK, is a market leader for self-catering holidays, providing a wide choice of high quality properties across the UK and overseas. It markets over 5,500 properties across the UK through its flagship website holidaycottages.co.uk and other domains.
Richard Wild, commercial director at The Travel Chapter, commented: “We’re excited to welcome this well-established Dorset agency to our successful list of brands and to add a great selection of cottages in such a beautiful and popular location. We’re looking forward to building on an already successful foundation that’s been put in place by the Dorset Coastal Cottages team.”
Jeremy Smith, managing director and son of company founder Charles Smith, said: “We are thrilled that Dorset Coastal Cottages has joined The Travel Chapter, with all their trusted brands. These are exciting times for us moving forward, which can only benefit our loyal owners and amazing guests that visit Dorset every year.”
The family business was sold with the help of Thrings and accountancy, investment management and tax group, Smith & Williamson. Acting for the shareholders of Dorset Coastal Cottages was Simon Hore, partner in Thrings’ Corporate team, assisted by legal director, Charlotte Barrett.
Simon said: “Dorset Coastal Cottages makes a great addition to Travel Chapter’s impressive group of holiday brands. Jeremy and his team deserve great credit for creating a business that helps thousands of people enjoy the pleasures of this beautiful region; it comes as no surprise to see them regularly recommended in the broadsheets.”
Also advising the shareholders was Martyn Fraser, partner at Smith & Williamson in Bristol.
“This is a real ‘win-win’ transaction that will see Dorset Coastal Cottages thrive as the holiday letting agency market continues to undergo significant consolidation. By joining The Travel Chapter’s growing network of trusted brands its property owners are going to benefit from enhanced marketing reach into new audiences while retaining the local service that they value,” he said.
Jeremy added: “We would like to thank the teams at Smith & Williamson and Thrings for their diligent and cooperative approach, together a reassuring force as we worked towards this significant milestone for the business."
For more information on how Thrings can help you buy or sell a business, please contact Simon Hore or another member of the Corporate team. You can also download our Legal Guide to Due Diligence When Buying or Selling a Company.