Direct Travel has acquired ATPI, creating a travel management company with an annual travel volume of more than $6 billion, the company announced on Monday.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Direct Travel, based in Centennial, Colo., sits at No. 13 on Travel Weekly's Power List with 2024 sales of $4.4 billion, while ATPI, based in Manchester, England, is No. 18 with $1.9 billion in 2024 sales.
The combined company will likely move up several places on the list; Navan, No. 9, had an estimated $6.1 billion in 2024 sales, Internova, No. 10, reported $6 billion and CTM, No. 11, reported $5.82 billion.
In a release, Direct Travel said the two companies have been strategic partners for years, and the acquisition is a natural evolution of that relationship. Direct also said it will accelerate the international rollout of its technology platform, Avenir Travel Edition.
Additionally, ATPI brings deep knowledge in specialty corporate markets, including energy, marine, sports and mining, Direct Travel said, adding it will invest to expand its reach in those segments.
CEOs weigh in on the deal
"ATPI has a commanding presence in the international travel management space and a strong history of collaboration with Direct Travel, making them a perfect fit to strengthen our efforts in delivering exceptional service at scale," Direct Travel CEO Christal Bemont said. "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."
ATPI CEO Ian Sinderson called the combined company "a compelling alternative to mega-agencies for global travel throughout our range of extensive geographic markets and business lines."