Piper invests £7m in The Thinking Traveller

The firm is taking a minority investment, with the founders retaining their positions, as well as a majority stake in the business. Piper had been in contact with the firm's founders for more than two years prior to the deal, according to a statement.

It is the  ninth investment from Piper VI, which closed on £123m in October 2016, following its  recent  £11.5m investment into indoor cycling brand Wattbike in September 2020.

The investment will go towards helping the business acquire a broader selection of villas in new destinations around the Mediterranean through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, as well as expanding brand awareness in its core markets including the UK, Europe, the US and Australia. The business also plans to expand its team.

Ian Simkins, former CEO of Audley Travel, will join the business as executive chairman.

Company
Founded in 2002 by Huw and Rossella Beaugié, The Thinking Traveller was established with seven villas in Sicily and has since grown to have a portfolio of 220 locations. The company reported revenue of £20m in 2019. The company also provides  clients with  a  24-hour concierge service and a range of experiences such as guided cultural tours and excursions, in-villa culinary experiences and chefs, yacht charters and yoga teachers.   

People
Piper Private Equity – Dan Stern (investment director).

Advisers
Company - Ashcombe Advisers (corporate finance).

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• Topics
• Expansion
• UK / Ireland
• Consumer
• United Kingdom
• Minority investing
• Piper Private Equity