Six Nations backer CVC plots trip with Loveholidays

CVC Capital Partners, a private equity firm known for its stake in rugby's Six Nations Championship, is reportedly interested in acquiring a stake in Loveholidays, a prominent online travel agency in the UK. Founded in 2012, Loveholidays has experienced significant growth, particularly following the resurgence in travel demand post-pandemic. The company has been backed by Livingbridge since 2018 and has been actively exploring its ownership options for several months. Industry sources indicate that Loveholidays is leaning towards selling a minority stake, which would allow it to retain control while bringing in new investment. This strategic move comes as the travel sector rebounds, with Loveholidays, along with competitors like OnTheBeach and TUI, benefiting from increased consumer interest in holidays. CVC's interest in Loveholidays is still in its early stages, and there is no guarantee that it will lead to a formal offer. The company is reportedly valued at around £1 billion, and investment bankers at Evercore have been engaged to facilitate the process. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact Loveholidays' future direction and growth potential. As the travel industry continues to evolve, the potential involvement of a major player like CVC could provide Loveholidays with the resources needed to expand further and enhance its market position.