Stay-at-home leap puts Pontin's on buys trail

Pontin's is to run a beauty parade of a different sort as it seeks a City firm to help it buy up ailing rivals and expand its six-strong chain of British holiday camps.

Buoyed by a record leap in bookings - it claims stay-at-home Brits this summer have fueled a 25% surge in campers - Pontin's says after years of decline it is ready to grow.

Pontin's was bought by investment vehicle Ocean Parcs for £46 million in early 2008. The buyout team said it had a £50 million redevelopment fund, much of which would be aimed at transforming its Sussex camp at Camber Sands and enlarging its Pakefield site in Suffolk.

Pontin's chief executive Ian Smith said the group's horizons have now widened.

"We are looking at strategic opportunities to acquire businesses that fit with our core product and will add value for money. I can confirm the board is currently in discussion regarding the appointment of a firm of City financial advisers with a view to exploring strategic acquisition opportunities."