Voyageurs du Monde, which is listed on the Euronext stock exchange, has purchased a 60% shareholding in Original Travel as the French firm bids to establish a foothold in English-speaking markets.

Voyageurs plans to use Original Travel and its existing management team as a “platform” for growth and further acquisitions throughout markets such as the UK, North America, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai.

Jean Francois Rial, chief executive of Voyageurs du Monde, said: “We are very excited about our investment in Original Travel. We have been hugely impressed by their market-leading client service levels, their innovative product and 14-year unbroken growth profile.

“We believe the Original Travel management team are the best placed team in the UK to help us develop the leading bespoke travel company in the English-speaking world.”

Voyageurs has acquired all of Original’s shares held by non-employees, including private equity investor Hotbed. The other 40% of the Original Travel will continue to be held by the company’s management team including founders Nick Newbury and Tom Barber.

Nick Newbury, chief executive of Original Travel, said: “Voyageurs du Monde is a phenomenally successful business and we were flattered to have been approached.

Voyageurs du Monde’s international ambitions, highly innovative approach to client service, product and technology will be transformational for the development of Original Travel and our team.

“Partnering with a business that shares our ethos is a hugely significant development as we embark on the next step of our corporate growth.”

Original Travel, which is based in south-west London, was founded in 2003 and saw its revenue last year go up by 20% to £15 million.