Hoseasons looks set for owner from US

The Suffolk-based self-catering specialist, which offers holidays at around 10,000 lodges, caravans and cottages across the UK, is being bought by US holiday company Wyndham Worldwide.

The company was founded in a small boatyard 65 years ago by Wally Hoseason and was passed on to his son James, who ran the business until 1999.

Current owner HgCapital bought the firm in 2003.

Hoseasons, which is headquartered in Lowestoft, sells 300,000 holidays in the UK every year and has 15,000 properties across seven European countries.

It employs 280 staff.

Wyndham said the business was a "strong strategic fit" with its current UK operation because of Hoseasons' presence at 440 holiday parks around the UK.

The US company, which trades under brands such as English Country Cottages, Welcome Cottages and Canvas Holidays in the UK, has a portfolio of around 60,000 properties in 20 European countries.

Ian Ailles, managing director of Wyndham's European rentals business, said the deal meant the firm could offer customers "the complete range" of holidays in Europe.

"The addition of the UK holiday parks completes our suite of holiday offerings," he said.