LET’S MAKE A DEAL: Amex GBT to buy CWT

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) is buying CWT. Subject to customary conditions, the “definitive agreement” between the two business travel giants is valued at approximately US$570 million, with a closing date expected in the second half of the year.

Paul Abbott, Amex GBT’s CEO, said: “Bringing CWT onto the proven Amex GBT software and services model will create more choice for customers, more opportunities for people and more value for shareholders.”

After the acquisition closes, CWT customers would have access to Amex GBT’s proprietary software and services for travel and expense, including Neo1, Neo, and Egencia, in addition to Select, which enables customers to integrate with leading technology partners. Customers would have access to the broadest portfolio of professional services, including meetings and events, consulting and sustainability solutions and Amex GBT’s marketplace would provide access to the most comprehensive and competitive content in the industry.

CWT CEO Patrick Andersen said: “Joining forces with Amex GBT helps accelerate our vision of a tech-enabled future for business travel, where people and technology combine to deliver an exceptional customer experience. We are highly confident in the value creation of the combined company.”

CWT serves 4,000 customers and is expected to generate approximately US$850 million of revenues in 2024.