Leading travel management company HRG has bought two if its European partners.
The purchase of BTI Czech Republic and BTI Slovakia means Hogg Robinson now has wholly owned or joint ventures in 23 countries.
The two partners were founded in 1990 Global Express by Jana Prochazkova who is still the managing director.
They became BTI partners in 2002 and will from now trade as HRG Czech Republic and HRG Slovakia.
David Radcliffe, ceo of Hogg Robinson, said: “This move is strategically important to HRG.
"We already have ownership in the Hungarian market and this acquisition gives us an additional owned presence in the Eastern European market which continues to see growth in the corporate services arena, particularly as it relates to business travel.
"Last year alone saw the number of air tickets printed in the Czech Republic increase by 8% on the previous year, and by 17% in Slovakia.
"Moreover, following their admission into the European Union in 2004, and with both countries receiving greater levels of Direct Foreign Investment, we anticipate that the market will continue to expand."
Ms Prochazkova, who will manage the two acquisitions, said: "This is one of the most important milestones in our history and represents a natural continuation to the partnership we forged in 2002 when we joined the BTI network.
"I am in no doubt that this is a win-win situation for all stakeholders: HRG Czech Republic and HRG Slovakia will become an integral part of one of the largest and most respected global corporate service companies, our employees will be given greater opportunities for professional growth and our customers will benefit from the latest travel technology and expertise."
Clients of the two Eastern European agencies include Deloitte, GlaxoSmithKline, KPMG and AstraZeneca.
These are the third and fourth acquisitions by Hogg Robinson since its split in January from its former partner BCD Holdings with whom it owned the BTI brand.
The acquisitions, both in the United States, were Robustelli World Travel, based in Stamford, Connecticut and Partnership Travel Consulting.
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