The shareholders of Ensemble Travel Group have voted in favour of an acquisition by Navigatr group in a deal that will yield benefits to members and suppliers alike creating a new and innovative consortium model. Privately owned Navigatr is the parent company of Kensington Tours, TripArc, and Travel Edge. Ensemble, includes more than 600 independently-owned travel agencies across Canada and the US. The deal is expected to close at the end of May.

“We are very pleased that the shareholders saw the myriad opportunities this deal offered for them from access to new technology and resources to the ability to streamline supplier contracts and programs,” said David Harris, CEO of Ensemble Travel Group who will now assume the role of Chairman.

“Among the many benefits is that Ensemble members will be able to transact as they have always done, but with access to additional revolutionary travel platforms such as ADX, which offers agents instant commission visibility, one click insurance and more to improve efficiencies and earnings.”

Ensemble will remain a standalone entity within the Navigatr group with Michael Johnson of Navigatr becoming President.

“As I have come to know the Ensemble team and members over the past several months, I am more confident than ever of the value that this new consortium model represents,” added Johnson. “It’s been very gratifying to hear from members about their excitement at the additional opportunities and resources that will be available to them to grow and enhance their businesses. The new Ensemble is truly poised for significant network growth to deliver for all of our stakeholders.”

Reflective of the sentiments shared by both companies, suppliers and members have also shared their enthusiasm about the deal.

“Ensemble has always been an important partner for Transat and we look forward to accessing additional tools and resources, made possible by this new alliance, to grow our mutual business,” states Joseph Adamo, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Transat.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this acquisition,” stated Sanjay Goel, President of Cruise Connections. “It represents an opportunity to bring together the best of each company for what is going to be a stronger consortium. Members like me and others, will be able to deliver better deals through pricing power, and better value with enhanced inclusions. All of this with improved commissions, and profitability. After what we’ve been through the last two years, the timing of this deal is perfect.”