Events firm snapped up by US-headquartered global travel retail company

Halifax-based YES – trading as Your Event Solutions – has been acquired by one of the fastest-growing travel retail companies and service providers in North America, Travel Leaders Group.

YES, is a MICE – meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions – business with global meetings and full-service event expertise with a reputation for high quality, personalised service. With an estimated $20bn in annual gross travel volume worldwide, Travel Leaders Group is one of the fastest-growing travel retail companies and service providers in North America and the UK.

The addition of YES complements Travel Leaders Group’s growing presence in the Meetings & Incentive marketplace and will provide both firms with additional geographic reach and meetings expertise.

YES provides a range of corporate event solutions from individually-tailored venue sourcing, meetings and training events to executive conferences, large-scale exhibitions, product launch events and incentive travel programmes in all locations globally. YES will retain its brand and no major operating changes are anticipated at the company.

After having founded and led the company for the past 18 years, Sue Gill said: “From humble beginnings, we are now part of one of America’s largest travel companies. I’m excited for our future together.

Mark Gill added:“Becoming part of Travel Leaders Group gives us a broader platform of service offerings to provide to our existing and new clients including technology solutions, as well as corporate, entertainment and leisure travel offerings and expertise. Our team is excited about the opportunity to share expertise and to expand on the YES brand’s reputation in North America and beyond.”

sue Gill, founder and Chief Executive Officer of YES, will remain in her current leadership role. YES will retain its brand and there will be no major operating changes at the company.

Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko said: “Bringing YES into the Travel Leaders Group family creates some exciting new prospects for both enterprises. Sue and her team at YES are innovative, enthusiastic and place a high priority on personalised service.”

Chacko added: “As demand for travel continues and inventory tightens, it’s critical for businesses to take advantage of the services of an event planning firm. When people are coming from different countries, logistics are an even greater priority. YES has experience in a variety of sought-after meetings destinations which will serve our clients well.”

Schofield Sweeney advised the YES team on the deal. Steven Millward, who led a team of lawyers at Schofield Sweeney, including Jessica Fielden (Corporate) and John Feaster (Tax), said: “Having advised Sue and Mark Gill as a firm for a number of years, it was a pleasure working with them to deliver this transaction.  We wish YES continued success and look forward to seeing the business develop and grow as part of the Travel Leaders Group”.

David Butterworth of Wheawill & Sudworth provided accounting and taxation advice.

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