One of the largest business travel companies in the US is taking over UK-based Chartwell Travel for an undisclosed sum.
The deal gives Ovation Travel Group its first wholly-owned location outside the US.
London-based Chartwell specialises in organising travel for entertainment, film, television and news production companies.
Former shareholder Marshall Joseph, who has led the business for ten years, will stay on.
He will report to Tina Rose who is joining to lead Ovation’s UK operations as managing director following 12 years with Protravel International.
Chartwell Travel will serve as Ovation’s base for luxury leisure and corporate independent travel advisers in the UK.
Ovation started life in the 1980s as Lawyers Travel, a division which remains a flagship brand for the $1.1 billion travel management company.
Ovation chairman and CEO Paul Metselaar said: “We are extremely excited about the opportunities this acquisition brings.
“Chartwell has been delivering outstanding service for over 25 years. Former shareholder Marshall Joseph has led the operation over the last decade and will continue to lead that office.”
Rose added: “This combination will grow our community of travel professionals with improved economics and technology delivering even greater results for our clients and industry partners.
“With Ovation, we are thrilled to be part of an industry-leading travel company which an exceptional reputation for outstanding service.”