Frosch International Travel (Frosch) has acquired Valerie Wilson Travel (VWT) on Friday, April 30, 2021, the companies announced this week. The acquisition brings together two of travel's most respected families, the Wilson family and the Leibman family, and will reshape the landscape of full-service travel management companies and the travel industry, according to the press announcement. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Valerie Wilson Travel will operate as an independent brand under the Frosch umbrella with continued leadership from its founder, chairman and CEO, Valerie Ann Wilson. Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg and Kimberly Wilson Wetty will remain as co-presidents of VWT; both will join the Frosch executive team and assume senior leadership positions at Frosch. Brian Buttigieg will be appointed VWT's COO effective immediately and join the Frosch executive team as general counsel. Patrick Fragale, executive vice president, VWT, will expand his leadership responsibilities at VWT.
Bryan Leibman, president and CEO of Frosch said in the announcement: "Bringing our two family businesses together creates a powerful alliance that expands our footprint in New York City and the tri-state area, solidifies us as a leader in the premium travel space and allows us to bring our innovative technology and unique global footprint to a growing client base. This transaction reaffirms our confidence in our industry’s recovery, our commitment to New York, and our unwavering dedication to providing the very best service and support to our clients, employees, and IC partners.”
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this September, VWT is a one of the most respected brands in luxury travel. It is a member of Virtuoso and has been one of its most prominent global accounts since 1998. In conjunction with network bylaws, VWT plans to remain a member of the luxury travel network.
“I founded Valerie Wilson Travel to provide the personalized luxury travel service I was personally seeking. I am very proud of the company we built together with Jennifer, Kimberly, Brian, and the entire VWT team,” added Valerie Ann Wilson. “Knowing the VWT name and brand will not only remain but be strengthened as part of this transaction was vitally important to me. I am looking forward to growing these family brands together.”
Members of the Leibman and Wilson families noted in the press announcement the companies’ “similar core values,” stellar reputations, “positive energy,” mutual respect, friendship, “deep commitment to family and a passion to leverage our entrepreneurial mindsets,” among others as reasons for the acquisition.
According to the announcement, the two brands will offer the highest earning potential and benefits for all employees and ICs/associates; and will be a substantial producer for all major travel partners, including airlines, hotels, cruises and tour companies.
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