RK Travel Group

Tell us about RK Travel Group. Who are you?

We are the largest travel wholesaler in the group travel industry in the Nordic region and have been in operation since 1976. Our business idea is to initiate, create, and produce affordable package solutions and tailor-made group arrangements for bus travel companies, travel agencies, and tour operators. Today, we have around 30 employees and our office is located in Gothenburg. We carry out 3,000 group trips annually, and our customers are located throughout Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Our primary competitive advantage is in our knowledge and huge network that we have accumulated since 1976 and our significant collective purchasing power.

How did you get in contact with Travelmate?

On October 1, 2014, Göran and Fredrik, together with Per Göransson, the sales manager and son of the company’s founder Bertil, bought the company. This was a well-considered decision as Göran, with over 35 years of experience in the travel industry, had been following the company for a long time. RK had a unique position, stable growth, and good profitability. However, at that time, the company needed modernization with new technology and different leadership. I know that Göran had been discussing the deal for several years, without putting pressure on the seller, to find the optimal opportunity and conditions for both parties.

What were the thoughts behind Travelmate investing in RK Travel Group?

It is not easy to buy a company with such a solid history as RK. There is a very strong corporate culture with many employees who have worked together for many years and possess unique knowledge and expertise. When the change was announced, there was an air of excitement and anticipation! We all had a positive attitude and a feeling of “let’s go for it.” Then our together-journey at RK began, something we have never regretted!

Tell us about RK Travel Group. Who are you?

How did you get in contact with Travelmate?

What were the thoughts behind Travelmate investing in RK Travel Group?

What was the process like from start to finish?

The discussions and negotiations were not something we employees were involved in. From our side, it was handled 100% by Bertil and his accountant. After the information about the acquisition was announced, Fredrik and Göran spent two to three months immersing themselves in the company by talking to employees, customers, and suppliers. This was followed by a process of change involving the management team and all employees. It was a fast-paced and very exciting time to be involved in this part of the process.

What role does Travelmate play for you today? How do they contribute?

Although Göran is the CEO today, the management team has the greatest influence over the daily operations. Göran works on the board with Per Göransson and Sabine Söndergaard, who is the external Chairman of the board. Most of the employees at RK have been with the company for a long period of time, and our culture and sense of belonging are closely aligned with the owners. Göran and Fredrik brought in energy, ideas, support, and joy. In the early days, they dedicated themselves fully to the development of RK. They spent time by the coffee machine, listening to what employees thought, wished for, and desired. We built an entirely new business system, arranged ergonomic workstations, and moved to more suitable premises. We have also developed a Balanced Score Card to work with, which helps us focus on the right things, with clear starting points and goals. Göran has a large of experience in the travel industry and leadership during growth, while Fredrik excels in financial and HR-matters. They complement each other well. It is evident that they have a good relationship with each other as well as with us who work at RK – they truly are part of the team!

What are the biggest benefits of the collaboration with Travelmate?

Despite the tough period our industry has endured due to the pandemic and wars, there is an optimistic outlook for the future. Göran and Fredrik are always available to each and every one of us employees, and during the pandemic, we felt involved every step of the way. They have broad experience in running companies in different industries and phases, and I don’t think RK would have weathered the pandemic crisis that the travel industry endured for almost three years with other people in charge. Now that we have overcome the pandemic, it’s full steam ahead! As they both say, there are few secrets within a company. They live by the motto “People support what they create,” which means that we, as employees, always feel involved in the company’s development and direction. Stronger than ever – 50 more years to come.