A sports travel specialist controlled by the BetFred founder Fred Done is teeing off with the acquisition of Golfbreaks, a golf tour operator.

MEZIESBLOG understands that Sports Tours International, which is owned by Mr Done, has struck a deal with the shareholders of Golfbreaks to buy the company for an undisclosed sum.

Based in Manchester, Sports Tours International is forecast to record more than £200m in sales in its next financial year.

The company is the exclusive UK partner to Club La Santa in Lanzarote – billed Europe’s No.1 sports resort – and official overseas tour operator to the TCS London Marathon.

It already owns a golfing specialist, Golf Holidays Direct, although Golfbreaks will continue to operate under its own brand from its existing base in Windsor.

Golfbreaks’ quartet of founders – Andrew Stanley, Steve Hemsworth, Guy Proddow and Daniel Grave – will remain with the business. 

“Our business is built around delivering unforgettable experiences at the biggest sports events and destinations in the world,” Tim Przybysz, Sports Tours International’s chief executive, said.

Founded in 1998, Golfbreaks sends more than 230,000 golfers a year to its partner network of more than 1,000 resorts. 

It also has offices in Charleston in the US and in Copenhagen, employing about 200 people.

Sports Tours International was advised by Alvarez & Marssal, while Cavendish advised Golfbreaks.