Bales taken over by Virgin Holidays

One of the oldest-established family-run tour operators has been sold.

Virgin Holidays has agreed to purchase Bales Worldwide for an undisclosed sum.

Bales was set up by George Bales in 1947 and will continue to be run by his daughter Mandy Nickerson as managing director.

"As part of the Virgin Holidays family, it will be very much ‘business as usual' and yes, that includes me and all my team," she said.

"I will be remaining as managing director and will continue to be involved in all aspects of the operation."

The Bales Worldwide name will remain following the takeover.

"Our news puts Bales alongside a widely respected name in the world of travel and at the same time enables us to keep all the things we love about Bales," said Nickerson.

"Teaming up with Virgin opens a new chapter for us and one which I am really excited about."

She promised "exciting additions" to the business, details of which will be disclosed in the future.

Virgin Holidays managing director Amanda Wills said: "We're delighted to welcome Mandy Nickerson and the Bales Worldwide team into the Virgin Holidays' family.

"As a long-established group and tailor made specialist known, like us, as a customer champion, we're pleased to offer this new proposition to the same high standards as the rest of our portfolio.

"We continue to expand into areas our customers ask us for. Bales Worldwide adds even more tailor-made and escorted long-haul adventures to a stable that offers Virgin Holidays Cruises, budget Florida with Travel City Direct and luxury, bespoke adventures through our partnership with HIP Hotels"

With permission from Travelmole