Ideal Acquisition
They’re at it again.
January 2015 isn’t done yet and Vision Travel Solutions has just announced that it has entered into “a definitive agreement” to purchase a controlling interest in Voyages Groupe Ideal – one of Quebec’s largest independent travel agencies.
Established in 1989, Voyages Groupe Ideal has been a major player in the corporate and leisure sector – particularly in high end luxury travel – for over two and half decades.
All 55 team members will remain in place, following the acquisition, with the company operating as “ideal” – a division of Vision Travel Solutions.
Joel Ostrov, president of Vision Travel, made the announcement in Montreal, observing that, “This acquisition is an important step for our company in reaching its goal of becoming a one billion dollar company by 2018.”
Ostrov pointed out that, “Voyages Groupe Ideal shares our customer service philosophy, and by acquiring a majority of their shares, we are increasing our visibility in the Quebec market while strengthening our position with our suppliers.”
And he explained further that, “Adding Ideal to the Vision family in a similar way that we added New Wave Travel to our family in Toronto last year, will further raise our company’s profile as Canada’s leading Travel Management Company.”
Industry veterans Nadia Giudice, Shelley Fisher and Lisa Stotland will remain as significant shareholders and will assume their new roles as vice-presidents of the “ideal” division of Vision Travel.
Nadia Giudice, vice-president of the new “ideal,” said, “Vision is well-respected in the industry and this acquisition will offer greater access to the latest technology for our agents and our clients.”
She noted, “As a whole, there will be all-around economies of scale, and uniting the two entities will help solidify stronger relations with Vision’s Preferred Suppliers.”
Giudice, Fisher and Stotland will continue to operate out of their offices on Paré Street here in Montreal, and bring with them years of experience as well as a strong team of travel professionals.
