NI based Camperco bought by Australian plc

A toursim and leisure business begun in Northern Ireland 11 years ago has been sold to an Australian firm in a deal worth £4.5 million.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Mar 2018, 20:22 BST
Updated 27th Mar 2018, 21:25 BST
Camperco founders Louise Corken and Keith Charlton started their business in 2007 with a fleet of five vehiclesCamperco founders Louise Corken and Keith Charlton started their business in 2007 with a fleet of five vehicles
Camperco founders Louise Corken and Keith Charlton started their business in 2007 with a fleet of five vehicles

Belfast based Camperco Group Ltd is made up of four firms operating aross the UK and Irish Republic including Bunk Campers.

It has been acquired by Australian motorhome company, Apollo Tourism and Leisure Ltd.

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Founded by Keith Charlton and Louise Corken the local business was inspired by a career break tour of Australia and New Zealand in a campervan.

The pair identified the opportunity and developed the Bunk Campers brand - launching the business in the UK market in 2007.

That has now grown to be the largest independent motorhome rental operator in the UK and Ireland having expanded its core business to include seven locations across England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland. With a fleet of over 200 motorhomes, the company employs over 40 staff.

As part of the deal, the pair will be staying on to lead the business through its next stage of development and expansion. It is envisaged the established brand and successful management team will continue to drive UK and Ireland growth and plans are underway to take the company into Europe in 2019.

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“From our very first conversation with Apollo we realised our businesses had real synergies,” said Mr Charlton, group MD for Camperco.

“We are likeminded companies committed to empowering our customers with the freedom to explore.

“At Camperco we have a clear mission to become the first choice for campervan and motorhome rentals and sales in Europe. We built our company up from five vans in 2007 and today we are a significant step closer to realising our ambition with Apollo’s backing.”

Apollo’s founding MD and CEO Luke Trouchet, said: “We are delighted to acquire Camperco, a strong and successful motorhome rental business based in the UK and Ireland. This acquisition will further strengthen our position as a global operator of motorhomes and allow further expansion into Europe.”

Related topics:Northern IrelandIrelandBelfast