US travel giant in takeover deal for Salford’s Invasion Group

US-based travel company International Training & Exchange Inc (Intrax) has acquired Salford-based youth travel organisation Invasion Group, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition forms part of Intrax’s strategy to expand outside of the US into UK and overseas markets.

Intrax has a presence in more than 100 countries around the world with 22,000 participants at its programmes each year, including summer camp placements, high school exchange programmes, global internships, au pair and work/travel opportunities.

Invasion offers young people holiday, volunteering and work opportunities across the US, Canada, Asia and Australia.

With clear business synergies between the companies, Intrax is well placed to utilise the existing brand awareness and stretch created by the Invasion brands for its overseas and US expansion.

Acting on behalf of Intrax and its UK subsidiary, law firm Shakespeare Martineau supported the travel company on this major strategic international acquisition, including providing corporate, real estate, tax, intellectual property and employment law advice on the acquisition and ongoing matters.

Catherine Moss, partner at Shakespeare Martineau led the deal, and said: “The travel industry has taken a massive hit this year, but pent-up demand is going to see a surge in appetite for holiday and career-related travel in people of all ages.

“This is a great deal for both parties, with clear commonalities and shared ambitions. We were very pleased to help Intrax move into new markets with the acquisition of this exciting UK brand.

“The deal was conducted entirely virtually from start to finish.”

Marcie Schneider president of International Training & Exchange Inc, said: “The acquisition of Invasion is a significant step in broadening our reach and we plan to support the brand with investment to grow its operations across the US and internationally.

“This is a significant milestone in our company’s history and we look forward to a resurgent and bright future for our global business.”

Shakespeare Martineau’s team included Jon Heuvel, Christopher Von Strandmann, Kim Walker, Simon Robinson, Oliver Gutman, Georgia Keogh and Santina Taylor.