Piper PE and Cool Japan Fund have backed a management buy-out of Inside Travel Group

November 2024 — Inside Travel Group (ITG) has been sold to Piper PE and Cool Japan Fund. This acquisition aligns with ITG’s goal of becoming the leading specialist in tailor-made and group tours across Asia. Piper PE and Cool Japan Fund will continue to support ITG’s founders and management team, driving the business’ growth in Japan and other Asian destinations.

Piper PE invests in fast-growing brands with sales of US$6–63 million (£5–50 million). As a diverse team of investors, brand strategists, digital innovators and talent and culture experts, it has helped over 50 brands become industry pioneers across 70 countries. In addition, Piper has driven high online growth and opened more than 250 experiential spaces for people to shop and socialize. Cool Japan Fund is Japan’s sovereign wealth fund focused on investing in businesses that promote Japanese culture around the world.

Inside Travel Group, an award-winning cultural adventure tour operator, specializes in tailor-made holidays to Japan and Asia. It has a team of passionate experts across offices in the UK, Australia and the USA. The team prioritizes customers’ holiday experience and provides the best recommendations for the ideal time to visit. Over the past 20 years, they have established a reputation for delivering exceptional service and continuously improving the business.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins Cavendish, one of Oaklins’ member firms in the UK, advised Piper PE and Cool Japan Fund on their investment in Inside Travel Group. This transaction builds on the team’s extensive long-term credentials in the travel sector.