When Apple Leisure Group was sold to private equity giant KKR last year, evidence suggested the leisure travel giant would hunt for more deals to expand its portfolio. Apple Leisure Group announced Monday it will merge with Mark Travel Corp, a longtime player in the leisure travel and travel technology sectors. Apple Leisure Group, which traces its roots to 1969, operates a vertically integrated series of vacation companies ranging from destination management and hotel management services to online booking sites for consumers. While Zozaya will lead the combined company Mark Travel’s Bill La Macchia and Bill La Macchia Jr. will serve on the company’s board. Bill La Macchia founded the privately held company, which is headquartered in Milwaukee, in 1974. Mark Travel provides destination and tour operator services around the world and manages vacation brands for global airlines. The most notable of these are United Vacations and Funjet Vacations, which has a consumer-facing component but is used by travel agents, as well. Read original article |