Enigma Holidays, owner of Esprit Holidays, yesterday announced that it has acquired Richmond-based Ski Total Limited for an undisclosed sum.

The purchase is planned to secure Enigma's position in the adult sector of the ski market in addition to the niche family sector created by Esprit.

Enigma was formed as a holding company in 2001 by Peter Dyer, founder of Crystal Holidays, after two years out of the industry following the 1998 sale of Crystal Holidays to the Thomson Travel Group.

In January 2001, Enigma purchased Esprit Holidays. Yesterday, Dyer reported that "despite 11th September, we have virtually doubled the size of the business. The purchase of Ski Total gives us instant entry into the adult ski arena, coupled with more potential for growth under a well-established and respected brand name".

In January 2002, Dyer was joined by former colleague Andy Perrin, having completed his period of gardening leave after leaving Thomson's Specialist Holidays Group in November 2000. Perrin had been Managing Director with SHG, and now takes on the same role for both Ski Total and Esprit Holidays.

Perrin has confirmed that each brand will retain its own identity, its own brochures and its own focus on different sectors (family and adult) of the ski market.

Ski Total's founders, Simon Strong and Martin Jenner, will be staying with the business, along with all their existing staff, and Enigma confirms that there are no planned job losses as a result of the acquisition.

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