MONTREAL — Vision Travel Solutions has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase a controlling interest in Voyages Groupe Ideal, one of Quebec’s largest independent travel agencies.

Voyages Groupe Ideal was established in 1989 and for more than 25 years has been a major player in the corporate and leisure sector, especially in high-end luxury travel, said Vision. All 55 team members will remain in place, following the acquisition.

The company will operate as ‘ideal’ – a division of Vision Travel Solutions.

Vision Travel President, Joel Ostrov, made the announcement in Montreal. “This acquisition is an important step for our company in reaching its goal of becoming a $1 billion company by 2018. Voyages Groupe Ideal shares our customer service philosophy, and by acquiring a majority of their shares, we are increasing our visibility in the Quebec market while strengthening our position with our suppliers,” said Ostrov. “Adding Ideal to the Vision family in a similar way that we added New Wave Travel to our family in Toronto last year, will further raise our company’s profile as Canada’s leading Travel Management Company.”

Industry veterans Nadia Giudice, Shelley Fisher and Lisa Stotland will remain as significant shareholders and will assume their new roles as Vice Presidents of the ‘ideal’ division of Vision Travel. “Vision is well-respected in the industry and this acquisition will offer greater access to the latest technology for our agents and our clients,” said Nadia Giudice, Vice President of the new ‘ideal’. “As a whole, there will be all-around economies of scale, and uniting the two entities will help solidify stronger relations with Vision’s Preferred Suppliers.” Giudice, Fisher and Stotland will continue to operate out of their offices on Paré Street in Montreal, and bring with them years of experience as well as a strong team of travel professionals.