The Travel Agents Travel Service (TATS) has stepped under the Chat Tours umbrella after owners Tony Brazenell and Michael Hay purchased the company early yesterday.

Barely hitting the sale market, Mr Hay told e-Travel Blackboard the pair were “keen to buy it” as soon as it was available a few weeks ago.

He explained that it was the second attempt at purchasing the company after the owner said “no” last year and said it was worth the wait because “we think it has always [been] under achieved”.

Bringing World Interline Tours and Breakaway Travel Club founder Mike Sawyer on board, Mr Hay said the three had enough skill and knowledge between them to increase TATS share in the market.

“The market is worth almost $20 million,” Mr Hay added.

“TATS has only ever had a very small slice of this.

“We believe the three of us have the skills and experience to succeed in getting a very good slice of the market.”

Although revealing plans to move the company’s operations from Chatswood to 235 Clarence Street, Sydney early December, Mr Hay added that the three new operators have a few changes and surprises their sleeves.

“We have a number of innovations that we will announce in December that will really surprise the industry,” he said.