The DERTOUR Group is taking over the entire Hotelplan Group, with the exception of Interhome, from Swiss retailer Migros, thereby strengthening its presence as a travel provider in Switzerland, the UK and Germany. The takeover will take place as soon as possible - subject to the approval of the relevant competition authorities. The DERTOUR Group is already represented in 16 countries with over 130 companies and more than 10,000 employees. The Hotelplan Group's long-established brands will consistently strengthen the tourism diversity and expertise of the DERTOUR Group.

Dr Ingo Burmester, CEO Central Europe and member of the Executive Board of the DERTOUR Group, comments on the takeover: "We are delighted to take over the Hotelplan Group with its strong and traditional travel brands and to lead it to further growth within our tourism network. This is a merger of equals that offers clear advantages for employees, guests and partners. We already share common values with the Hotelplan Group. These include an excellent customer experience, personalised advice and Sustainability."

Burmester emphasises: "We have always relied on strong brands in our local markets, which we are successfully developing as a group. We were already able to demonstrate this with the acquisition of the Kuoni travel business in 2015, whose brands have since enjoyed significant growth." DERTOUR Suisse, with the tour operators Kuoni, Helvetic Tours and ten specialist tour operators, currently has around 1,000 employees and 70 travel agencies in Switzerland.

For guests and sales partners of Hotelplan Group, the takeover guarantees continuity: all booked holidays and business trips will be carried out as planned. The popular tour operator brands of the Hotelplan Group will continue to operate as usual and can be reached via the usual service contacts and booking channels.

The DERTOUR Group intends to continue to successfully develop Hotelplan's business segments. The employees will be taken on accordingly when the purchase is finalised. "Employees are at the centre of our group strategy. The competent and committed colleagues of the Hotelplan Group are crucial for the growth we are aiming for, and we warmly welcome them to the DERTOUR Group," emphasises Burmester.

As a member of the international DERTOUR Group, Hotelplan will have access to a large, worldwide partner network. In addition, system and production advantages can be achieved through the tourism group network, which will enable even more attractive offers with high quality in the future. "This means that guests will benefit from an even wider variety of offers in future," explains Burmester.

The DERTOUR Group sees the takeover as a long-term investment. "My message today is clear," emphasises Burmester. "Today is a good day for employees, guests and partners. The merger of equals creates continuity and further strengthens the Hotelplan Group - from the partner network to the technology."

Click here for the official press release: https: //www.dertour-group.com/presse/