American Express Global Business Travel to acquire KDS

(Source: Internet)

American Express Global Business Travel has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire KDS, a global provider of integrated travel technology.

Headquartered in France, KDS has operations in the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States.

The acquisition of KDS is part of a broader investment strategy by GBT to develop an industry-leading suite of traveller-centric online and digital services, sitting on top of the company’s core technology platform for business travellers.

GBT chief commercial and technology officer Philippe Chereque said: “We are bringing together an industry-leading online solution and travel management company to create the first seamless end-to-end experience centred on the modern business traveller.

“This will also enable us to provide GBT customers with a proprietary door-to-door online booking tool supported by our new technology infrastructure.”

KDS’ leading product is Neo.

The July 2016 version combines all the functionality of the original OBT (multi-leg, group and offline booking, reporting), as well as door-to-door, single-click booking and a mobile travel app, in a unified, consumer-grade user interface.

The highly-interactive platform drives high adoption rates and provides rich content, easy-to-understand budget information and policy alignment.

Dean Forbes, chief executive of KDS, said: “KDS is a leading integrated travel technology provider with a deserved reputation for innovation and an entrepreneurial DNA.

“We have the best team challenging the status quo and creating game-changing technology. Our focus is on driving adoption to deliver savings, productivity gains and spend control for businesses of all sizes.

“We look forward to leveraging the support and assets that GBT will provide us to better serve GBT customers, whilst also continuing to serve our existing customers and partners with great products and services.”

American Express Global Business Travel will continue to work with and support other OBTs across global marketplaces.

GBT plans to close the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2016.