Virgin Experience Days Sold to Inflexion Private Equity

Acorne Ltd, which trades under the Virgin brand as Virgin Experience Days, pioneered the experience gift voucher market and has seen enormous success over the last 10 years reaching £50m in turnover during 2017.

The deal represents an exit for its founders Richard Gyselynck and Andrew Dent and the chance for the existing management team, alongside Inflexion, to accelerate growth in both the B2C and B2B divisions

Founder, Andrew Dent commented "We have enjoyed growing the business organically and by acquisition and believe the business is capable of substantial future growth. I am delighted that Inflexion have recognised this potential."

Co-founder Richard Gyselynck also commented "This investment by Inflexion will ensure the longevity of the business and allows the management team to continue to participate in its future growth. Experienced management and new blood will enable the company to exploit fully the market opportunities now opening up."

The Bishopsgate team was led by Simon Stephenson and James McBain Allan. Simon commented "We enjoyed working with the two founders, Andrew and Richard and they must be congratulated on building an exceptionally strong business with a very capable management team." James commented "This was a highly complex deal in a niche and growing sector. The influence of the millennial mentality and the focus of “experiences” over “things” has recently driven significant growth and the future potential for VED is huge."