Wilson & Hughes acquires Cox & Kings, re-enters travel
Wilson & Hughes, a Singapore-based private equity firm, has acquired the iconic travel brand Cox & Kings, marking its re-entry into the travel industry. The acquisition, completed through Wilson & Hughes’ Indian subsidiary, encompasses the Cox & Kings brand and assets, excluding any financial or legal liabilities from past operations.
Cox & Kings, established in 1758, is one of the world’s oldest travel companies. It faced financial difficulties, leading to bankruptcy in 2019 and subsequent proceedings under the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Wilson & Hughes secured the brand and over 200 associated sub-brands through the NCLT process.
Under new ownership, Cox & Kings plans to focus on four key areas: leisure travel, business travel, specialized travel, and travel technology. The company aims to blend its rich heritage with modern innovations, leveraging advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to offer personalized travel experiences.
Karan Agarwal, Director at Wilson & Hughes, stated, “The travel industry is evolving rapidly, and we recognize the tremendous opportunity to redefine global travel experiences.” This strategic move aligns with the firm’s intent to tap into India’s burgeoning travel market, projected to reach $125 billion by 2027.
The revival of Cox & Kings under Wilson & Hughes’ leadership signifies a significant development in the travel sector, aiming to offer travelers innovative and customized journeys while honoring the brand’s longstanding legacy.
