Maven completes profitable exit from Attraction World

We are pleased to announce the sale of Attraction World, one of the UKs largest theme park and attraction ticket specialists which supplies many of the world’s leading travel brands. The realisation, via a secondary buyout led by the CEO Paul Stobbs, has generated a 1.9x total return for Maven clients

Since Maven originally backed the MBO of the business in December 2010, Attraction World has enabled millions of customers to pre-book tickets for 5,000 experiences in over 50 countries, including amusement parks, sightseeing tours, theatre shows and experience days.

In 2016 Midlands-based Attraction World made the strategic acquisition of Day Out with the Kids, the UK's biggest website and online community for family attractions and children’s activities. Despite market pressures, including the collapse of one of its key clients Thomas Cook, the enlarged group continued to perform strongly.  

“We are pleased with the return that we have generated for our investors from the sale of our stake in Attraction World. The travel industry has faced many challenges in recent years including terrorism and a weak pound, but the management team have worked hard to refocus and restructure the business, whilst maintaining a high level of service to its clients. During the period of Maven’s investment, the business has increased turnover to over £67 million and is in a strong position to embark on the next stage of its growth.”
Andrew Symmonds, Investment Director at Maven 

“I would like to thank Maven for their support during my tenure. The partnership has provided a stable platform for the continued growth of the Attraction World business as it looks to capitalise on new opportunities. Their patient and supportive approach afforded the business the time it required to navigate testing market conditions and consolidate its position as one of the UK’s leading theme park and attraction ticket specialists.”
Steve Richards, departing Chair of Attraction World 

I’m delighted to have completed a successful exit from Attraction World and Days Out with the Kids after over five years on the board of those companies. The management team worked collaboratively with Maven in recent years to help to shape the ongoing strategy of the Group and today’s realisation is an excellent result for all involved.”
Simon Applebaum, former Managing Director of Attraction World