American Express completes purchase of KDS

The “pivotal” takeover of travel technology provider KDS by American Express Global Business Travel has been finalised. The deal, announced in August for an undisclosed sum, is part of a wider investment strategy to develop integrated digital services for business travellers. All KDS employees will officially join GBT’s 12,000 global staff. There is no expected change … Continue reading American Express completes purchase of KDS

The “pivotal” takeover of travel technology provider KDS by American Express Global Business Travel has been finalised.

The deal, announced in August for an undisclosed sum, is part of a wider investment strategy to develop integrated digital services for business travellers.

All KDS employees will officially join GBT’s 12,000 global staff.

There is no expected change in the KDS management team and the company will continue to operate in its current office locations, according to the business travel company.

American Express Global Business Travel pointed out that it will continue to work with and support other online booking tools across global marketplaces.

Chief executive Doug Anderson said: “The acquisition of KDS is pivotal for GBT.

“We are focused on providing solutions that optimise the traveler experience within the managed travel environment.

“Our strategy is to develop and acquire the tools to deliver on that objective. KDS allows us to offer the first seamless end-to-end shopping and booking experience centered on today’s business traveler.”

KDS CEO Dean Forbes added: “The immediate focus will be on developing our solutions further as part of a global travel leader and continuing to work with all our partners and customers for the benefit of their business travel.

“It is something about which we have always been passionate, and we now have the reach to make it a reality for an even broader audience.”