PRESS STATEMENT

26 September 2008

Taggart & Hornby Buy The Albatross Group of Companies

In a huge vote of confidence in the coach and group travel industry, Sean Taggart and Steve Hornby have just announced the completion of their purchase of the entire share capital of The Albatross Group of Companies from the original founding shareholders for an undisclosed sum.

The buyout of the Group was financed and supported by the Co-operative Bank along with an equity investment from Sally and Manfred Thelen through their investment vehicle The Cornell Group.

Steve Hornby remains Managing Director of Success Tours but also joins Sean Taggart on the Group Board along with Sally & Manfred Thelen in their capacity as non-executive directors.

Sean Taggart commented:

"We are thrilled to have completed the buyout of The Albatross Group whilst also retaining Sally and Manfred's involvement in the business. I have worked with Steve for 10 years and he is a great partner to have and we both look forward to the future with real confidence and optimism.

We also believe that it is a massive vote of confidence in both the business and the industry sectors that we operate within that the Co-Operative Bank along with Sally & Manfred are both backing us and our vision of the future so strongly, despite the turbulent global economic environment."

Steve Hornby commented:

"Sean and I have felt that this has been our business for some time now and it is fantastic to be able to turn that feeling into a reality. We have consistently said that we believe the coach and group travel industry has a really bright future and this has all been about putting our money where our mouths are!

This buyout will allow us to continue to fulfil our longer term ambitions for the business in partnership with our like-minded backers, whilst creating even more opportunity for growth for the outstanding team of people that we are privileged to lead."

Sally & Manfred Thelen commented:

"We are delighted that we have been able to finalise this MBO with Sean and Steve. When Sean joined our organisation 13 years ago we had already decided he was the person we wanted to lead the company and we have never wavered from that view.

Together with Steve, who has also dedicated many years to Albatross, we believe the Group can only go from strength to strength!"

Richard Gandy, Business Development Manager at The Co-operative Bank's Leeds Corporate Banking Centre, said:

"Sean and Steve are experienced, enthusiastic and have a clear vision of what is required to take The Albatross Group onto further success. They make a formidable team and we look forward to monitoring their progress over the coming years. Despite current market conditions, this deal highlights that if the project is right and the business case is robust, The Co-operative Bank's Corporate Banking Centres are still very much open for business."

ENDS

For additional information, please contact:

Sean Taggart sean@albatross-tours.com Direct Dial: 01732 879148

Steve Hornby steve@albatross-tours.com Direct Dial: 01225 715060