Vespa Capital, a private equity company founded in 2008, has completed its first exit as with the sale of James Villa Holidays to Wyndham Exchange & Rentals.
Established in 1984, James Villa Holidays is a villa tour operator in the UK. It offers accommodation in over 50 destinations across the Mediterranean and beyond.
James Villa Holidays sells direct to its customers via its website, telephone and Bluewater store.
Vespa Capital supported the management buy out of James Villa Holidays in March 2008 when the business was acquired from its founder.
Tony Wheble, chief executive of James Villas, says: "From the very start of our discussions I was impressed at how quickly the Vespa Capital partners grasped the main issues, opportunities and risks. This rigorous, thoughtful and dynamic approach helped get the deal done and has proven valuable to the board on an ongoing basis. They have been a supportive shareholder and have provided value from access to both their own and their investors’ networks."
Nigel Hammond of Vespa Capital says: "We are delighted to have secured this transaction with Wyndham which has more than doubled our invested capital and allows James Villas to find a home with a complementary strategic acquirer. The success of our investment is a testament to the quality of the brand, the first class management team and the positive working relationship between the management team and Vespa Capital."
