FROSCH Acquires New York’s Iconic Valerie Wilson Travel
by Daniel McCarthy
The VWT team at their New York office opening in 2018.
New York’s Valerie Wilson Travel is being acquired by Frosch International Travel, joining two of the travel industry’s most storied families together under one umbrella.
Valerie Wilson Travel will continue to operate as an independent brand, with the agency’s executives remaining in their positions and joining FROSCH’s executive and leadership team—Valerie Ann Wilson will remain as CEO; Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg and Kimberly Wilson Wetty will remain as co-presidents; Brian Buttigieg will be appointed VWT’s COO effective immediately and will join FROSCH as general counsel’ and Patrick Fragale, executive vice president for VWT, will expand his responsibilities.
The plan is also for Valerie Wilson Travel to remain operating with its consortia, Virtuoso, while FROSCH continues its connection to Signature.
“I founded Valerie Wilson Travel to provide the personalized, luxury travel service I was personally seeking. I am very proud of the company we built together with Jennifer, Kimberly, Brian, and the entire VWT team,” Valerie Ann Wilson said in a statement announcing the news.
“Knowing the VWT name and brand will not only remain but be strengthened as part of this transaction was vitally important to me. I am looking forward to growing our family brands together,” she added.
Bryan Leibman, president and CEO of FROSCH, said the deal creates “a powerful alliance that expands our footprint in New York City and the tri-state area.”
“This transaction reaffirms our confidence in our industry’s recovery, our commitment to New York, and our unwavering dedication to providing the very best service and support to our clients, employees, and IC partners. I am delighted to welcome VWT and am confident that together we will achieve great success,” he added.
