Featured Image: James Coleman on Unsplash
Sports travel operator Destination Sport Group has acquired The Mike Burton Group, a provider of fan experiences and travel.
The Mike Burton Group was founded by former British & Irish Lions, England and Gloucester rugby prop forward Mike Burton in 1981.
Destination Sport specialises in travel management for elite sports clubs and governing bodies, supporter travel, youth development tours, endurance and participation travel, as well as global destination management.
“We are delighted to acquire The Mike Burton Group, a move which supports our ambition to set the global standard in sports travel,” said Destination Sport Group managing director, Paul Hemingway.
“The Mike Burton Group is renowned for delivering unrivalled sports travel and event experiences, with a major emphasis in rugby, and plans progressing already for the British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia in 2025.
“This complements Destination Sport Group’s existing presence within rugby, where we have a successful track record in managing team travel and supporter travel for eight domestic rugby teams and Scottish Rugby, plus an established rugby tour programme for schools and clubs.”
Burton added: “We are all immensely proud of what we have achieved with the company. The 42-year journey since the business was formed in 1981 has been part of my life and for so many other people, from family members, staff, clients and fans, through to the valued relationships we have with our joint venture partners.
“I’d like to pay tribute to my late son Andrew who was instrumental in the strategic direction of the business and future vision alongside the global sport right holders, that has got the business to where it is today. I’d also like to thank the ongoing support of my two grandsons Rhys and George and the current leadership team.”
The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
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