London, UK –  1400 BST Wednesday, 28 June, 2017 – American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has today signed an agreement to acquire Banks Sadler, an international event management agency headquartered in London. The company will operate as part of American Express Meetings & Events, a division of GBT. When the transaction completes, expected in Q3, the company and its staff will formally become part of the GBT family.

Issa Jouaneh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Express Meetings & Events, says the acquisition is strategic for his organisation and a positive development for Banks Sadler and its customers. He said: “Banks Sadler is one of the most respected M&E brands. It brings an extensive range of services and solutions with an independent agency mindset that we will maintain and grow. Combined with American Express Meetings & Events leading capabilities and global footprint, our clients will benefit from an expanded value proposition.”

Banks Sadler was founded in 1982 in London and has offices in York, Windsor, Paris, Dusseldorf and New York.  It has approximately 250 employees. Over the last 35 years, the business and brand have established themselves among the most trusted in the marketplace. Under the leadership of Leigh Jagger, the company has expanded its service and portfolio to multiple marketplaces.

Jagger said: “The sale is a pivotal moment. Though customers will not notice any change, the business is now supported by one of the largest travel and meetings management companies in the world. We will, therefore, continue to offer best-in-class, event planning and management while benefitting from American Express Meetings & Events’ supplier relationships, global scale and expertise of strategic meetings management programmes (SMMPs).”

Steven Curts, American Express GBT’s Chief Strategy Officer, says the acquisition is another important step in the evolution of the global business. He said: “In transient business travel and meetings and events, our focus is always on improving customer experience, product offering and global footprint through strategic acquisitions, partnerships and organic growth.  The purchase of Banks Sadler is another important step on our strategic journey.”

The terms of the deal will remain undisclosed.

About American Express Global Business Travel

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) equips companies of all sizes with the insights, tools, services and expertise they need to keep their travellers informed, focused and productive while on the road. With approximately 12,000 employees and operations in nea rly 120 countries worldwide, GBT empowers customers to take control of their travel programmes, optimising the return on their travel and meetings investments, while, more importantly, providing extraordinary traveller care.

Learn more at amexglobalbusinesstravel.com and amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/content/. Follow us @ twitter.com/amexgbt.

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) is a joint venture that is not wholly owned by American Express Company or any of its subsidiaries (American Express). “American Express Global Business Travel,” “American Express,” and the American Express logo are trademarks of American Express and are used under limited license.

About American Express Meetings & Events

American Express Meetings & Events, a division of American Express Global Business Travel, offers longstanding experience, expertise and leading capabilities to help deliver powerful meetings and events experiences for clients. The global team is focused on advising its clients with respect to meetings and events sourcing, planning, budgeting, expense management, reporting and benchmarking, combined with strategic counsel and integration of leading technology. This approach focuses on creating visibility, driving savings and enabling effective meeting experiences.

With more than 40 years in the industry and a presence in over 50 countries, American Express Meetings & Events is strategically positioned to manage meetings and events locally, regionally, internationally and across the globe. American Express Meetings & Events works with local leaders to enhance its offering to clients. To learn more about the services offered by American Express Meetings & Events, visit https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/meetings-and-events/

Media Contact:
Tobias Tripp
Kwittken PR
+44 207 401 8001
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