The family business, headquartered in Belfast, was inspired by a career break tour of Australia and New Zealand in a campervan. The founders, Keith Charlton and Louise Corken, identified the opportunity and developed the Bunk Campers brand – launching the business in the UK market in 2007.
Bunk Campers has grown to be the largest independent motorhome rental operator in the UK and Ireland having expanded its core business to include seven locations across England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland. With a fleet of over 200 motorhomes, the company employs over 40 staff.
As part of the deal, Keith Charlton and Louise Corken will be staying on to lead the business through its next stage of development and expansion. It is envisaged the established brand and successful management team will continue to drive UK and Ireland growth and plans are underway to take the Company into Europe in 2019.
Keith Charlton, Group Managing Director of Camperco advised:
“From our very first conversation with Apollo we realised our businesses had real synergies. We are likeminded companies committed to empowering our customers with the freedom to explore. At Camperco we have a clear mission to become the first choice for campervan and motorhome rentals and sales in Europe. We built our company up from five vans in 2007 and today we are a significant step closer to realising our ambition with Apollo’s backing.”
The acquisition advances Apollo’s long term strategy of becoming a global motorhome solution. The Brisbane based company is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, and acts as a manufacturer, rental fleet operator, wholesaler and retailer of a broad range of motorhomes, campervans and caravans across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.
Apollo’s Founding Managing Director and CEO, Mr Luke Trouchet, said he is excited that the Company will expand its operations into the United Kingdom and Europe:
“We are delighted to acquire Camperco, a strong and successful motorhome rental business based in the UK and Ireland. This acquisition will further strengthen our position as a global operator of motorhomes and allow further expansion into Europe.”
The Camperco group consists of Bunk Campers, the UK and Ireland’s best known rental brand,
a vertically integrated manufacturing facility converting Volkswagen campervans for the rental fleet, motorhome sales and an online shop selling parts and accessories.
Louise Corken, Group Marketing Manager concluded:
“Apollo are committed to significant growth in Europe and we will become a vital pillar in their strategy to become a global motorhome solution. The category is forecast for significant further growth and we are geared to capitalise on this and continue to expand our business, increase our footprint and create jobs in the coming years.”
The adventure continues.
For further information visit:
https://www.thecampercoshop.com/
http://www.nomadcampervans.com/
Keith Charlton & Louise Corken of Camperco
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