Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) has cemented its presence further in North America by acquiring Executive Travel Associates (ETA). Purchase of the Washington-based operation builds on HRG”s recent acquisitive moves in the US, that have seen deals inked for Sea Gate Travel Group in April 2005 and Robustelli World Travel in February last year, in addition to the current Canadian operation.
HRG says that ETA will ”initially” operate autonomously, led by CEO Ray Pierce, but will report to its North American Division, led by regional president Tom Gleason. ”Acquiring a further operational base in North America, particularly in one of the country”s leading business centres, significantly strengthens our presence in the region and is core to our growth strategy,” said HRG CEO David Radcliffe (pictured).
”We are fortunate to have acquired a company with the calibre of Ray Pierce and his team and I look forward to the benefits I know they will bring to the Group,” he added.
For his part, Pierce acknowledged that ETA needed to team with a larger grouping in order to grow the business. ”ETA continues to be a very successful company but we have reached the stage where we need to broaden our horizons to service better our clients” expanding needs,” he said.
”As part of HRG, ETA”s clients will now have access to a worldwide network which has proven international expertise, advanced technology solutions and a range of services which bring real value.”