Denver-based provider of corporate travel management services Direct Travel has acquired strategic partner ATPI, a UK-based travel management company.
The deal creates one of the world’s largest travel management companies, projecting over US$6 billion in annual total travel volume across corporate, leisure, events, and specialised travel sectors. A key factor in the acquisition is ATPI’s expertise in specialised sectors like energy, marine, sports, and mining.
The acquisition formalises a multi-year partnership and is expected to accelerate the international launch of Direct Travel’s new platform, Avenir Travel Edition, designed for travellers and travel managers.
Christal Bemont, CEO of Direct Travel, stated: “This partnership represents a pivotal moment in reshaping managed travel, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions and a seamless experience for clients across a range of sectors and of all sizes and locations.”
Ian Sinderson, CEO of ATPI, noted that the union allows them to better serve clients through combined services, technology, and teams. He positioned the new entity as a “compelling alternative to mega-agencies for global travel” given their extensive market reach.
