Benchmark International Shortlisted For Deal Of The Year

Benchmark International was shortlisted for Deal of the Year (Sub £10m) by Insider Media in their Insider North West Dealmakers Awards for the Investment into 1st Class Holidays to PHD Equity Partners.

The Insider North West Dealmakers Awards recognizes the achievements of the North West’s corporate M&A professionals and the very best firms and individuals.

Insider is the United Kingdom’s most successful regional B2B media company with five regional B2B magazines read every year by more than 200,000 subscribers. They host around 140 market-leading events including award dinners in all regions outside of London.

Benchmark International advised 1st Class Holidays on the sale to PHD Equity Partners and successfully negotiated a deal to suit the objectives of both parties, while also enabling original founders and shareholders, Paul Ainsworth and Sharon Mason, to retain an active role within the business.

Founded in 1996, 1st Class Holidays quickly established itself as the market leader in long haul, tailor-made holidays to luxury destinations such as Canada, North America, Australia and New Zealand. A company with vision, it shows no signs of slowing down and continues to lead the way in the industry, winning the ‘Favourite Tour Operator’ a record 13 times at the British Annual Canada Travel Awards.

PHD Equity Partners is an independent investment and advisory private equity firm that manages one of the UK’s largest private equity funds, exclusively funded by private investors. The Partners are a team of industry seasoned, experienced corporate finance professionals and entrepreneurs, who have an innate understanding of the challenges of growing and shaping a successful business.

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkI.com

Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com

Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com

ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL:

Benchmark International’s global offices provide business owners in the middle market and lower middle market with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. To date, Benchmark International has handled engagements in excess of $6B across various industries worldwide. With decades of global M&A experience, Benchmark International’s deal teams, working from offices across the world, have assisted hundreds of owners with achieving their personal objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses.

Website: http://www.benchmarkintl.com
Blog: http://blog.benchmarkcorporate.com