Great Rail Journeys acquires Vacations by Rail

U.K.-based train trip specialist Great Rail Journeys has acquired Vacations by Rail.

Great Rail Journeys said buying the Chicago company will enhance its position in the global market and will be key to its plans for expanding both internationally and into new product areas, such rail/river cruise packages.

"This acquisition is the first step of many as we look to enhance our position as the world's leading provider of rail vacations," Great Rail Journeys CEO Peter Liney said in a statement.

Todd Powell, who co-founded Vacations by Rail in 2004 with Cole Dannewitz, said, "The combination of our two companies represents a significant opportunity to grow our footprint in the rail vacation sector domestically and internationally, as well as accelerate into new markets."

Powell and Dannewitz will join Great Rail Journeys' executive team.

Great Rail Journeys offers nearly 400 itineraries in some 50 countries.