- Superbreak has ceased trading
- Dynamically packaged customers may have to pay twice for hotel
Hugo Kimber of the Malvern group
York based tour operator Superbreak has ceased trading. Superbreak specialised in short breaks to English and Scottish holiday locations but had expanded abroad in recent years. They were active in the Irish market since 2016. Their portfolio included including theatre breaks, rail packages and concerts at the 02 Arena in London. Super Break employed 200 staff with the main office based in York city centre.
The company ceased when funding was withdrawn by shareholder Cox & Kings. which is under considerable financial pressure, having missed a number of debt repayments.
Founded in 1983 Super Break initially promoted 100 hotels and grew through acquisitions such as Golden Rail in 1989, Hotelnet and Rainbow Holidays in 2000, Bookit in 2004 and West End Theatre Bookings in 2007, West End Theatre Bookings was sold to Encore Tickets in June 2011.
Cox & Kings sold LateRooms.com and Super Break to Malvern Group in 2016, shortly after they launched in the Irish market, retaining a 49pc stake. The subsequent majority shareholder was Cayman Islands-based Adiuvat Investment Fund. The group appointed KPMG last month in the hope that the company could be sold, after Cox & Kings India, defaulted on loan repayments.
Hugo Kimber, executive chairman of Malvern Group, said: “This is a devastating blow for all of our wonderful employees who have invested so much time and effort into building Malvern, its brands and trips technology platform. This is equally difficult for all our suppliers, partners and customers who will be impacted by this news. To be so close to delivering our goal of an integrated, dynamic and commercially successful business, that could provide significant value through its innovative products, is heart-breaking.”
A statement from the company added: “Following news of Cox and Kings India’s loan default a month ago, the situation has deteriorated rapidly resulting in the withdrawal of any further funding for Malvern Group. The management team recently appointed advisors from KPMG to undertake an accelerated sales process to ensure further investment, and have engaged with our principal bankers to secure interim funding. Unfortunately, given the short timeframe enabled by our cash position and despite interest from potential purchasers, we have been unable to secure bank support or a sale of the business.”
Cox & Kings Ltd., set up in 1758, is regarded as probably the longest established travel company in the world. In a statement to the Mumbai Stock Exchange, it said it was “working closely with its lenders to optimize its asset base globally and bring the situation back to normal as soon as possible.”
A notice on the website says We regret to advise you that Malvern Group incorporating Superbreak Mini Holidays Limited and Late Rooms Limited, has filed a Notice of Intention to Appoint an Administrator on 1st August 2019 and have ceased trading with immediate effect. It is the company’s intention to appoint an administrator to deal with the affairs of the business tomorrow.
Superbreak Mini-Holidays Limited (Trading as Super Break)
Happier times, Madeleine Roast, Wendy Cameron and Graham Balmforth of Superbreak at the ITIA awards January 21 2016
We regret to advise that Superbreak Mini-Holidays Limited (trading as Super Break) has filed a Notice of Intention to Appoint an Administrator on 1st August 2019 and have ceased trading with immediate effect. It is the company’s intention to appoint an administrator to deal with the affairs of the business in due course. We are not accepting any further bookings.
For customers with bookings due to travel beyond 1st August 2019 or who are currently on a break, please see below for information.
- If you have made a booking with a travel agent/partner, please in the first instance contact the travel agent/partner.
- Please note that the contact centre is no longer operational and therefore will not be available for further queries.
Hotel Only Breaks
- In relation to your forthcoming booking, we are sorry to advise that it is now cancelled.
- If you are currently on a break, you may be asked to pay again – please ensure you keep your receipt.
- As your reservation was Hotel Only, we recommend that where you have paid by credit/debit card that you contact your bank/credit card provider.
Package Bookings (Excluding Flight Inclusive Breaks)
- As you had made a package booking with us, your break should be financially protected by ABTA – The Travel Association.
- Further information can be found at ABTA.com/SuperBreak.
Flight Inclusive Breaks
- As you have made a reservation for a flight inclusive break which is covered by the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL scheme, you should visit
- www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection/Make-an-ATOL-claim/Latest-ATOL-holder-failures/ for more information.
Super Break Gift Vouchers
- Should you be in possession of a Super Break gift voucher please note that these are no longer valid/accepted.
- We recommend that where you have paid by credit/debit card that you contact your bank/credit card provider.
Entertainment/Attraction Tickets Only
- In relation to your forthcoming booking, we are sorry to advise that it is now cancelled. As your reservation was for entertainment/attraction ticket
- Only we recommend that where you have paid by credit/debit card that you contact your bank/credit card provider.
Incredible North Iceland Charter (Akureyri)
- In relation to your forthcoming booking, we are sorry to advise that it is now cancelled.
- As you have made a reservation for a flight inclusive break which is covered by the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL scheme, you should visit
- www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection/Make-an-ATOL-claim/Latest-ATOL-holder-failures/ for more information.
Late Rooms Limited (Trading as LateRooms.com)
- We regret to advise you that Late Rooms Limited (trading as LateRooms.com) has filed a Notice of Intention to Appoint an Administrator on 1st August 2019 and have ceased trading with immediate effect. It is the company’s intention to appoint an administrator to deal with the affairs of the business in due course.
- In relation to your forthcoming booking(s), LateRooms.com acted as an agent on behalf of your accommodation supplier therefore we anticipate that your reservation is secure and your payment will be taken by the accommodation supplier either in advance (for non-refundable reservations) or at the property.
LATE ROOMS LIMITED HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY PAYMENT FOR YOUR BOOKING
- We recommend however that you contact your accommodation supplier directly prior to travelling to confirm.
- You can find their contact details on your booking confirmation.
- To amend or cancel your booking you will need to contact the accommodation supplier directly.
Please note that the contact centre is no longer operational and therefore will not be available for further queries
