John Fowler Holidays

We’re pleased to have supported a family-run holiday business to secure the multi-million-pound acquisition of a long-standing resort in Devon.

Based in Barnstaple, John Fowler Holidays operates 13 parks across the South West and South Wales. The business, which was established over 70 years ago, currently employs 800 people across these sites, with an annual turnover of £50 million.

It has now acquired Ruda Holiday Park in Croyde from Parkdean Resorts, which will now be the 14^th site in its portfolio.

The deal will allow John Fowler Holidays to expand its operations with the 300-acre resort – which has 817 pitches for static lodges and caravans, touring and tenting, as well as a glamping village. It also includes the transfer of ownership of Croyde’s Blue Flag Beach.

Our Corporate Finance team, led by Director Alex Patey, acted as buy-side advisers to John Fowler Holidays on the deal. We helped identify the resort as an ideal acquisition opportunity for the business, before then leading on negotiations. Meanwhile our Financial Advisory team, led by Partner Matt Whitchurch, managed the financial due diligence to secure funding from HSBC.

Alex Patey, Director at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “Across the holiday industry we’re seeing continued confidence in those operators who prioritise delivering a strong product offering for their customers. Resorts like Ruda Holiday Park, that provide this along with an ideal location, will continue to be in demand from operators like John Fowler Holidays who are well-run and have clear plans for growth.

“This acquisition is an exciting step for all those involved and goes to reinforce John Fowler Holidays’ position as one of the leading family park operators in the region.”

Oliver Fowler, Property Director at John Fowler Holidays, added: “We know just how important Croyde beach is to everyone in North Devon, with its UNESCO designated dunes and golden sands. To be custodians of Croyde beach is an honour for us. This strategic purchase marks a significant milestone in our firm’s ongoing expansion, and commitment to providing exceptional holiday experiences in some of the UK’s most sought-after destinations.

“The support provided by Alex and the team at FRP Corporate Finance was crucial in helping us achieve this deal. We approached them for their knowledge of the sector and ability to manage complex negotiations, and they certainly didn’t disappoint.”