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More business travel mergers expected
More business travel mergers are expected following the takeover of French agency Protravel by Carlson Wagonit. The deal, announced earlier this week, allows Carlson to increase its volume in France by 50% and worldwide by 7%. It seems that market share – and therefore clout with suppliers – is becoming more and more important in the business travel arena. It follows the takeover of Rosenbluth by American Express earlier this year. Further deals are expected, with the takeover of BTI Central Europe seen as a likely future scenario. The new company, will be 70% owned by Carlson Wagonlit with the remainder owned by Protravel shareholders. It will be headed by Protravel managing director Jean-Claude Tacnet. Carlson Wagonlit said that Isabelle Koch, currently Vice President of Carlson Wagonlit Travel France, will take up new managerial responsibilities. Hervé Gourio, president & CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel worldwide, said: “This opportunity is an important move which fits in perfectly with Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s current worldwide strategy: giving priority to growth and increased market share. It shows that we are now actively pursuing external growth. In a global market undergoing strong consolidation, it is our firm intention to be among the consolidators rather than the consolidated. Our approach is strongly supported by our shareholders, who are encouraging us in this task.” Protravel is currenlty a TQ3 licensee. TQ3 claims the company will continue to service its clients until the end of next year and that it plans to launch its own wholly owned corporate travel agency in Paris.
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