Pictured above: (l-r) Ian Cattell, Melanie Mapstone and John Downing

Midlands based travel expert, John Downing, has sold the specialist travel company he formed over forty years ago to embark on his own globetrotting adventures.

Seventy-five year old John formed Mercian Travel with his wife Mary, before the advent of the internet, cheap flights and when travel was an adventure. Hagley-based John worked with the Business Services Team at Talbots Solicitors to sell the business to Yorkshire-based Good Travel. Mercian built a reputation for arranging for travellers to visit far-flung corners of the world including Russia, China and Libya.   

"I have enjoyed every aspect of my career; serving the people and businesses of the surrounding area and further afield has been a privilege" said John. "Talbots worked professionally and sensitively to help me sell what has been a labour of love for over forty years for both Mary and me."

Melanie Mapstone of Talbots' Business Services Team worked with John to arrange the sale of the company and its share capital. "John and Mary have worked so hard for such a long time, we are delighted that Talbots could help them realise a return on their financial and emotional investment" commented Melanie. "We hope they both enjoy their retirement and exploring so many of the exotic destinations their customers have visited courtesy of their dedication".

Ian Cattell, a Partner at Crombies Chartered Accountants worked in partnership with Melanie and the Downings to advise on the transaction.

For more information about Talbots Solicitors, please visit their website here: www.talbotssolicitors.co.uk