United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Amadeus bid speculation intensifies
Speculation is mounting over a possible bid for Amadeus as the GDS promoted two senior executives into corporate strategy roles.
Amadeus is said to be talking to potential bidders about acquiring a majority stake in the company
Minority shareholders Iberia (18.3%) and Lufthansa (5.1%) may be prepared to offload their stakes, although Air France with a 23.4% holding is said to want to retain its involvement.
But a number of private equity firms are rumoured to be lining up a bid for the whole of Amadeus which could value the company at up to $5 billion. Worldspan has also been mentioned as a likely suitor.
An Amadeus spokesman declined to comment on bid speculation as the GDS promoted two executives to its 17-strong board.
Francisco Perez-Lozao, who recently headed the purchase of Opodo, becomes vice-president, business development and mergers and acquisitions. Frederic Bessis becomes vice-president, product and technology strategic planning. Both report to corporate strategy senior vice-president Philippe Chereque.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel