American Express Global Business Travel is investing in its
online and digital services with the acquisition of travel technology provider
KDS.
KDS’s leading product is Neo, a corporate online booking
tool.
“We are bringing together an industry-leading online solution
and travel management company to create the first seamless end-to-end
experience centered on the modern business traveler,” said Philippe Chereque, American
Express Global Business Travel’s chief commercial and technology officer. “This
will also enable us to provide GBT customers with a proprietary door-to-door
online booking tool supported by our new technology infrastructure.”
Chereque said KDS will have access to American Express GBT’s
brand, resources, reach and customer base.
KDS is based in France with operations in the U.S., U.K. and
Germany.
The transaction is planned to close in the fourth quarter.