Benchmark International

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the successful sale of Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours Limited (Arblaster) to Specialist Tours Limited (Specialist Tours) for an undisclosed sum.

Hampshire-based Arblaster was established in 1986 and is considered a leading global provider of wine tours to a wide range of destinations, operating in the niche market area of wine tours, vineyard walks and opera holidays. Tour holidays are available to more than 25 countries including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, North America and South America.

The acquirer, Specialist Tours, owns a number of brands offering tour operator holidays, similar to Arblaster. The company boasts over 150 impressive tour destinations that include the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia.

Chief Operations Officer of Benchmark International, James Thornton, said on completion of the deal, “Through Benchmark International’s marketing efforts, the sale of Arblaster attracted interest from nearly 30 interested parties. Specialist Tours matched the shareholders’ vision for the future of the company. After a prolonged period of negotiation, Specialist Tours agreed a deal that would allow the shareholders to exit the business and satisfactorily achieved their objectives.

“All at Benchmark International would like to wish both parties every success for the future.”