Cox & Kings appoints advisers
COX & KINGS APPOINTS ADVISERS Cox & Kings, the world's longest established travel company, announces the appointment of two blue chip firms to advise it on its planned expansion. The company plans to take advantage of consolidation within the travel industry and its operations are likely to be expanded, particularly in India where Cox & Kings already organises outbound tours as well as travel into the country. In addition it is expected that acquisitions will be made in Europe. Noble & Company, the Edinburgh based investment bank, has been appointed as the company's financial advisers for what is expected to be a period of considerable growth and consolidation. The Entrepreneurial Services team at Ernst & Young, one of the world's leading professional services organizations, will be the company's auditors and tax advisers, helping to identify and capitalise on business opportunities. Peter Kerkar, CEO of Cox & Kings, said: "These advisers have a clear understanding of our marketplace and the issues which affect our business and bring real strategic input. We are likely to be extremely active in growing our business and leveraging further the Cox & Kings brand." Commenting on their appointment, Hugh Nash, a Director of Noble & Company, said: "We are delighted to have been appointed as financial advisers to Cox & Kings, a long established and highly respected company. This is an exciting time for the industry as a whole and we believe that Cox & Kings is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that will be arising." - ends - For further information please contact: Peter Kerkar CEO, Tel: 020 7873 5006 Cox & Kings Tony Good Chairman, Cox & Kings Hugh Nash Director, Tel: 0131 225 9677 Noble & Company Rupert Eastell Partner, Tel: 020 7951 2000 Entrepreneurial Services, Ernst & Young Andy Berry Director, Tel: 020 7299 1500 Head of Financial and Corporate PR, Flagship Group Notes to Editors: Cox & Kings Cox & Kings has offices in India, America and Japan with its headquarters located in London. The company has built on the tradition of high quality service established by Richard Cox over 240 years ago and it now provides travel arrangements of the highest calibre in some of the most challenging parts of the world. Cox & Kings in the UK offers a selection of specialist brochures covering the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and China & the Far East, in addition to special interest art and nature programmes to destinations around the world. Noble & Company Noble & Company is the corporate finance arm of Noble Group. It is a Nominated Adviser and Sponsor on the London Stock Exchange and advises on both unlisted and listed transactions in the smaller companies market. The team is sector based with the principal sectors covered being, financial services and insurance; project finance and PFI, technology companies, property and research companies, oil, gas & shipping and tax efficient investment products. Nobles has completed over 55 Stock Exchange floats in the last six years including some 40 companies on the Alternative Investment Market ("AiM"). Nobles recently floated Halladale Group plc and Murgitroyd Group plc on AiM. Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial growth companies (EGCs) represent the future, and Ernst & Young's Entrepreneurial Services practice provides innovative and effective solutions to EGCs on the fast-track to success. We work with dynamic companies that aim to be the national, multinational and global leaders of the future, adding value at key points of their lives, as they approach the next big decision. Our diverse client base ranges from early-stage companies with seed finance, to those seeking an IPO, through to public companies looking to accelerate value for their shareholders. Our multi-disciplinary teams bring with them a wealth of experience gained from working directly with entrepreneurs, and partner with our clients to help them achieve their business and personal goals. For more information about our Entrepreneurial Services practice, please visit us at www.ey.com/uk/entrepreneur ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/01/15/20020115BIT00900/bit0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/01/15/20020115BIT00900/bit0001.pdf