American Express Global Business Travel acquires DER BT

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has completed the acquisition of DER Business Travel (DER BT). Elyes Mrad, GBT’s senior vice president and managing director, International, says GBT’s scale and world-class technology combined with DER BT’s expertise and relationships in Germany creates a new and stronger value proposition for German businesses. He said: “DER Business Travel has been a highly-regarded travel management company in Germany for many years. The acquisition expands GBT’s footprint into the small and mid-sized client segment in Germany and is positive news for DER BT’s clients. While they will continue to benefit from local servicing expertise, access to GBT’s global reach, scale and end-to-end travel and expense eco-system will bring many opportunities.” The DER BT brand will remain in place for the time being. The terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed. GBT was created in 2014 as a joint venture partnership between American Express and an investor group led by Certares. The business has focused on extending its global reach and scale with several strategic acquisitions, including the purchase in July 2018 of the Hogg Robinson Group (HRG). GBT will continue to look for opportunities to grow where value for the business, our clients and their travellers can be found.