REPORT - BUSINESS TRAVEL: The recent developments in the business travel scenery with the acquisition of TQ3 by World Travel BTI had been the highlight of the last month. TravelDailyNews International has conducted a report regarding the “hot” issue and asked for the major players of the business travel to state their opinion.

“We`re not surprised that TQ3 has been purchased. There have been rumors in the marketplace for several months. The companies involved will undoubtedly experience dramatic changes to their management structure, technology platforms, operating processes and service standards - each steep hills to climb,” said Charles J. Petruccelli, President, Global Travel Services for American Express.

On the other hand, Marc Hildebrand, President and Global CEO of TQ3 Travel Solutions, commented to TravelDailyNews, “BCD Holdings, which owns World Travel BTI in the US and various other locations, has agreed to acquire TQ3 Travel Solutions Management Holding GmbH from TUI AG pending regulatory approval. The new company formed by BCD will become the third largest travel management company in the global market with $8 billion in turnover.”

The ex – partners of TQ3 Management Holdings, the TQ3Navigant company commented through Keith Taylor, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing of TQ3Navigant, “We wish our former colleagues at TUI (TQ3 Management Holdings) all the best as they are merged into BCD (World Travel Partners). For us (TQ3 Travel Solutions), we are excited by and looking forward to new opportunities that lie ahead.”

But it seems that the developments on each company will be much different. As AMEX claims, this acquisition will have no affect to its activities, “When you look at the many components of this deal and the new entities that will be formed, it seems these companies have lost a lot and are no closer to becoming a global player than they were before their announcements,” said Charles J. Petruccelli.

Mr. Petruccelli added, “No clear value proposition has yet emerged as a result of the acquisitions and divestitures. On the other hand, American Express Business Travel has an established heritage operating as a single, wholly owned travel management network. These deals have no effect on the focused work that we already deliver to our clients around the world by offering distinct benefits, in the form of superior travel and expense solutions.”

“For our new wholly owned company, we cannot comment on future strategy until regulatory approval is granted later in Q1. However, we have several parties coming together and therefore a totally new name makes sense. We have seen with TQ3 how you can launch, position and develop a new global brand quickly and successfully. Now and until all regulatory approvals have been received and the transaction has been closed (expected by March) it will be business as usual. Following regulatory approval we will communicate the new company`s future strategy,” Mr. Hildebrand said.

Keith Taylor of TQ3Navigant stressed the fact that since they hadn’t been acquired, there will be no change to their development and marketing strategy. “We assumed 100 percent control of the TQ3 brand and licensees, which enables us to move forward with a unified vision. We have been and continue to be focused on our global go-to-market strategy – we are a global company with a global strategy,” he concluded.