Business

Belfast motorhome company Camperco sold to Australian firm for £4.5m

Louise Corken and Keith Charlton, founders of Camperco, which is now part of Apollo Tourism and Leisure Ltd
Louise Corken and Keith Charlton, founders of Camperco, which is now part of Apollo Tourism and Leisure Ltd Louise Corken and Keith Charlton, founders of Camperco, which is now part of Apollo Tourism and Leisure Ltd

A BELFAST-headquartered motorhome company has been bought by a leading Australian firm in a multi-million pound deal.

Camperco Group Ltd, an independent comprising four UK and Ireland based businesses, including Bunk Campers, has been sold to Apollo Tourism and Leisure Ltd for £4.5 million.

The family business, headquartered in Belfast, was founded by Keith Charlton and Louise Corken in 2007. They developed the Bunk Campers brand after being inspired by a career break tour of Australia and New Zealand in a campervan and it has grown to become the largest independent motorhome rental operator in the UK and Ireland, employing 40 people. Since the firm's launch the business has expanded to include seven locations across UK and Ireland with a fleet of over 200 motorhomes.

As part of the agreement to sell the business the company founders will stay on to lead Camperco through its next stage of development and expansion.

Mr Charlton, managing director of Camperco, said the Apollo deal is a springboard for the company to enter the European market.

"At Camperco we have a clear mission to become the first choice for campervan and motorhome rentals and sales in Europe. We built our company up from five vans in 2007 and today we are a significant step closer to realising our ambition with Apollo’s backing.”

Mrs Corken, the group's marketing manager said the future is bright for the business.

“Apollo is committed to significant growth in Europe and we will become a vital pillar in its strategy to become a global motorhome solution. The category is forecast for significant further growth and we are geared to capitalise on this and continue to expand our business, increase our footprint and create jobs in the coming years.”

The acquisition advances Apollo’s long term strategy of becoming a global motorhome solution. The Brisbane-based company is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and acts as a manufacturer, rental fleet operator, wholesaler and retailer of a broad range of motorhomes, campervans and caravans across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

Apollo mananging director and CEO, Luke Trouchet added:

“We are delighted to acquire Camperco, a strong and successful motorhome rental business based in the UK and Ireland. This acquisition will further strengthen our position as a global operator of motorhomes and allow further expansion into Europe.”