HomeAway swoops for Spanish rival Top Rural

US-based holiday accommodation rentals firm HomeAway has taken over Spanish based counterpart Top Rural.

US-based holiday accommodation rentals firm HomeAway has taken over Spanish based counterpart Top Rural.

The Madrid-based company features accommodation in rural France, Spain, Italy and Portugal, with more than 11,600 paid listings and approximately 29,900 free listings.

Established in 2000, the site operates in eight languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, Catalan and Dutch.

Top Rural has been acquired in cash for an undisclosed sum, broadening Texas-based HomeAway’s reach in Europe.

“It also adds inventory that appeals to a desirable European traveler segment that seeks long weekend getaways to small towns or countryside destinations as an escape from the city,” a company statement said.

Top Rural and its 46 staff will continue to operate as an independent brand from its office in the Spanish capital. Chief operating officer, Rafael Perez-Olivares Hoepfl, will serve as general manager and replace founder Francois Derbaix, who will stay on as a consultant during the transition.

Chief executive Brian Sharples said: “Adding Top Rural’s unique lodging options to our international network of vacation rentals supports our mission of making every vacation rental and bed and breakfast in the world easily available to every traveller.”

The US company owns HomeAway.co.uk and OwnersDirect.co.uk in the UK, operates BedandBreakfast.com, and has sites in France, Germany, Brazil and Australia.