Information on the Target

Founded in 2007 by Geoffroy de Becdelièvre and Mathieu Bouchara, Marco Vasco is a French tour operator that specializes in offering personalized online travel solutions. The company has successfully secured funding from notable investors, including Alven, Iris Capital, and GIMV, as well as a private investment from Olivier Duha, the co-founder of Webhelp.

Operating within the customized travel sector, Marco Vasco boasts a team of 150 travel consultants who are either locals to their destinations or possess significant passion for them. This allows the company to provide unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences while maintaining high service standards. With a workforce of 240 employees, Marco Vasco is projected to achieve annual revenues exceeding €65 million in 2017 within a rapidly expanding market.

Industry Overview in France

The travel industry in France has seen significant growth over the past few years, marked by an increasing demand for personalized travel experiences. French consumers are increasingly seeking tailored options that cater to their individual preferences and lifestyles, paving the way for specialized travel agencies to flourish. This trend is driven by a desire for unique experiences rather than traditional tourism.

Moreover, the rise of digital platforms has transformed how travelers plan and book their trips. The online travel market is expanding, with consumers opting for digital solutions that offer greater convenience and flexibility. As of 2023, the custom travel sector has shown promising growth metrics, contributing significantly to France's GDP.

Additionally, the French luxury travel market is on the rise, driven by affluent consumers who are willing to spend more on high-quality, bespoke experiences. Consequently, travel operators that can provide exceptional service and unique offerings are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

In light of these dynamics, Marco Vasco's focus on customized travel solutions positions it advantageously within the market. The amalgamation of unique experiences and high service standards has allowed the company to establish a loyal customer base and differentiate itself from competitors.

The Rationale Behind the Deal

The acquisition of Marco Vasco aligns strategically with the Figaro group's ongoing diversification efforts, as it seeks to solidify its presence in the luxury and specialist travel market. By acquiring Marco Vasco, the Figaro group enhances its portfolio and strengthens its competitive position in a rapidly growing sector.

This merger, which follows less than a year after the acquisition of Maisons du Voyage, signifies the Figaro group’s ambition to emerge as a key player in the consolidation of the travel industry. The combined company will become France’s second-largest provider of tailored travel solutions, boasting a collective annual revenue of €120 million.

Information about the Investor

The Figaro group, well-known for its media ventures, has been strategically diversifying its business activities beyond traditional media into various services, including real estate, training, and job advertisements through Figaro Classifieds, as well as weather forecasting with La Chaîne Météo. This diversification showcases the group's commitment to expanding its horizons and maximizing revenue streams across different industries.

With a robust presence in e-commerce, notably through operations including online ticket sales via Ticketac, the Figaro group aims to leverage its existing capabilities and brand reputation to enhance the travel segment through this acquisition. This strategic move underscores their focus on capitalizing on growth opportunities within the luxury travel market while strengthening organizational synergies.

View of Dealert

In the opinion of industry experts, the acquisition of Marco Vasco could represent a significant strategic gain for the Figaro group. The deal is likely to enhance the company’s footprint in the luxury and customized travel market, potentially leading to increased market share and improved financial performance in the long term. The complementary business models and expertise of both companies could yield synergies that drive innovative offerings and improve service quality.

Furthermore, the collective marketing prowess and digital capabilities of the Figaro group will provide Marco Vasco with enhanced visibility and resources to accelerate growth. This combination of forces is expected to create a stronger competitive edge, enabling the new unit to better meet the evolving demands of discerning travelers.

However, it is essential to monitor the integration process closely. While the initial outlook is promising, successful integration will be crucial for realizing the projected benefits and ensuring that the unique identities of both brands are preserved. If executed effectively, this acquisition has the potential to be a landmark investment within the sector.

Overall, experts believe that the Marco Vasco acquisition aligns well with trends in the travel industry and represents a prudent investment for the Figaro group, positioning it for substantial growth in a dynamic marketplace.

View Original Article