BCD Travel has announced its joint-venture partner in South Africa Connex Travel is merging with Rennies Travel.
The combined business results in a total of 737 employees, with offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Stellenbosch and Richard’s Bay, as well as Namibia.
The news follows BCD’s January announcement that Rennie’s Travel, owned by Bidvest, had joined its Global Network. Previously operating as BCD Travel South Africa, Connex Travel has been a Global Network partner since 2009. The merged companies will operate as Rennies BCD Travel.
Adrian Woodward, VP of BCD Travel’s EMEA Global Network, said: “I am very excited about this merger. We’re joining forces in a competitive business travel market that’s growing fast. Our combined depth of experience and partnership will not only give us a stronger position in the African market, but also offers our mutual clients market-relevant solutions and services.”
Rennies BCD Travel will be led by CEO Bronwyn Philipps, who previously served as CEO of Rennies. Former Connex Travel chief executive Marco Cristofoli will remain a member of the senior leadership team.
Philipps commented: “While our keen focus on client service will continue ‘as usual’, we look forward to putting the innovative technology and global data consolidation expertise of BCD Travel in the hands of our clients. This merger enables us to benefit from Rennies’ sizable presence in South Africa, allowing us to expand our footprint beyond the South African market.”
“This move reflects BCD Travel’s continuing focus on growing both organically and through expansions that support our strategy, benefit our clients and align with our corporate culture,” added Stewart Harvey, president of EMEA for BCD.
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