Not surprisingly, the health crisis is accelerating the trend towards consolidation in the business travel sector. But it was still necessary to identify the players involved. No great surprise there, American Express GBT is once again at the helm of these major manoeuvres: TMC had already distinguished itself three years earlier by buying out its competitor HRG. Amex GBT has done it again today with the acquisition of its competitor Egencia.
With Egencia, we welcome the leader in digital business travel agencies
" Our strategy is to provide customers with unparalleled choice by offering the best solutions for each travel segment we serve. With Egencia, we welcome the leader in digital corporate travel agencies. "says Paul Abbott, CEO of GBT. Travel giant Expedia is thus parting ways with the made-in-France TMC that it itself acquired in 2004. " We are excited about the potential of this transaction and what GBT and Egencia can accomplish together as Expedia Group seeks to simplify its operations and remain a leader in everything the company does. "assures Ariane Gorin, Chairman of Expedia Business Services.
Expedia Group firmly believes in a strong rebound in travel, including business travel
Despite appearances, this operation does not necessarily mark the end of the group's business travel ambitions. Expediawhich " firmly believes in a strong rebound in travel, including business travel ". By the way, Traveldoo would not be part of the deal announced on Tuesday. The travel & expense platform will therefore remain - at least for the time being - part of Expedia. The deal also involves Expedia acquiring a stake in American Express GBT. " An expanded long-term agreement for the distribution of Expedia Partner Solutions (EPS) hosting content would enhance GBT's Supply MarketPlace and enable Expedia Group to make significant progress towards its goal of feeding more partners across the entire ecosystem. "Ariane Gorin predicts. " Expedia Group firmly believes in a strong rebound in travel, including business travel. We are delighted with our potential shareholding in GBT and our long-term agreement to power Egencia and GBT, as we do for thousands of other travel companies. "she adds.
This agreement between the two groups must now be submitted for consultation to Expedia Group, Egencia and their employee representatives, and for validation by the competent authorities.
