Investment type
- Carve out
The ATCORE Group is a leading technology provider that specialises in software and services for the global travel industry.
The business provides reservation and e-commerce solutions for travel companies and specialist tour operators, with key customers including TUI, Centre Parcs and First Choice, and its solutions for travel businesses mean its customers can remain competitive in a cost-pressured environment.
Acquiring new opportunities
In May 2014 LDC backed the management team in the £45m management buyout of Anite Travel from its listed parent Anite PLC, a deal which saw the business go on to rebrand as ATCORE.
The funding and guidance from LDC has been instrumental in seeing through what has been an incredible period of transformation and growth for the company.”
During the first three years of the partnership, LDC supported the management team to deliver new product launches, Atcom Search platform and Atcom Retail Browser, as well as the acquisition of Tigerbay, to further diversify the business’ offering and enter new markets.
New strategic hires were also made to the management team, with Dave Cruickshank joining the business and being appointed as CEO in 2015. Mike Kingswood, previous CEO, moved into a non-executive position.
With LDC’s support, ATCORE recorded revenues of £26m, and grew EBITDA to £8.2m over the period.
Reinvesting support
In November 2017 LDC exited its investment in ATCORE in a transaction that generated a money multiple return of over 3x for LDC.
LDC reinvested in February 2018 to continue supporting the management team’s growth strategy.
A decade of support
In May 2024, French travel technology company Travelsoft acquired ATCORE.
The transaction marked a full exit for LDC, following a successful 10-year partnership that saw ATCORE achieve its ambition to expand internationally and transform into one of Europe’s leading software-as-a-service providers to the travel industry.