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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Planet Rail Limited and Versa Travel Limited.
January 27, 2025
Benchmark International is proud to announce the acquisition of Planet Rail Limited by Versa Travel Limited.
Located in Easingwold, North Yorkshire, Planet Rail is a luxury tour operator that specializes in offering exceptional rail holidays, delivering bespoke travel experiences across the UK, Europe, Asia, Southern Africa, and the Americas. The company’s portfolio includes iconic journeys aboard some of the world’s most renowned trains, such as the prestigious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE).
Planet Rail has seen a strong recovery in recent years, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by a significant rise in demand for rail travel. This surge in interest reflects a broader trend toward luxury and experiential travel, where guests can immerse themselves in the elegance and romance of rail journeys. Planet Rail’s commitment to delivering the highest levels of service, combined with their meticulously curated itineraries, ensures that each trip is not just a vacation but an unforgettable adventure, offering access to some of the world’s most luxurious and scenic train routes.
Located in Leeds, Versa Travel is an innovative and exciting luxury train group poised to revolutionize the way high-net-worth individuals experience travel. Focused on delivering exclusive, tailor-made journeys, Versa Travel caters to clients who are building bespoke travel groups, providing them with unparalleled access to some of the world’s most luxurious and scenic rail routes.
With a strong emphasis on personalization, Versa Travel offers meticulously crafted itineraries and exceptional service, ensuring each trip is a unique and memorable experience. Designed to cater to the discerning traveler, the company’s offerings promise to elevate rail travel to new heights, making it an ideal choice for those seeking extraordinary adventures in comfort and style.
We Understand Business Owners, Because We've Been Them.
Versa Travel CEO, Andrew Gillespie, commented, “We are thrilled to have bought these two fantastic companies as the first phase of our vision to create the single most famous – and loved - luxury travel group in the world. We are all wholeheartedly committed to delivering the most exceptional, luxurious and memorable experiences to our clients, with train journeys at their heart.”
Versa Travel Chairman, Simon Pielow, adds, “This marks an incredible opportunity to build a unique group of luxury train propositions that will create a market leading position for us through intelligent marketing and further targeted acquisitions.”
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