Gray Dawes Group acquires US corporate TMC

Gray Dawes Group has bought US corporate travel management group Executive Travel as it continues to target $1bn in global sales.

The deal by the global travel management company to acquire the Nebraska-based corporate TMC has further strengthened Gray Dawes’ presence in the US market and accelerated its global growth strategy.

Suzanne Horner, chief executive of Gray Dawes Group, said the deal filled a gap in the market for clients seeking a business travel agency offering a “consistent solution” across global markets alongside the personal detail of a “boutique agency”.

She said: “This is an exciting moment for Gray Dawes Travel. The ongoing consolidation taking place in the TMC world has left a significant void for an internationally located, mid-sized service and technology-focused provider in the US.

“Adding the experience, reputation and scale of Executive Travel positions Gray Dawes perfectly to fill that void.

“I’ve admired the business that Steve and Paul Glenn and their team have built for many years. Executive Travel has an outstanding reputation, exceptional people and a client-first culture that closely mirrors our own, making this a natural fit for both organisations.”

She added the acquisition would strengthen the company’s around-the-clock support, noting: “Our ‘always on’ service model means there is no such thing as ‘after hours’.

“With dedicated in-country teams operating across North America, the UK, Europe and APAC, all on a single technology platform, we follow the sun, providing continuous Gray Dawes support wherever and whenever our clients need us. Executive Travel strengthens that capability even further.”

Gray Dawes Group chairman Fergus Glenapp noted the deal provided a platform for further growth.

He said: “Executive Travel is a highly respected business with an outstanding reputation and a long history of success.

“This acquisition significantly strengthens our North American platform and provides an excellent foundation for continued growth across the United States, Canada and beyond.

“It is another important step in building a truly global travel management company with the agility and service ethos of a boutique business.”

Executive Travel will continue trading under its existing brand in a phased integration period before changing its name to Gray Dawes Travel.

Clients will continue to work with their existing account teams while gaining access to wider capabilities, technology and global support within Gray Dawes Group.

Steve Glenn, chairman of Executive Travel, said: “Joining the Group gives our clients access to a truly global travel management network while preserving the personal relationships and culture that have defined Executive Travel for decades.

“We’re excited to begin this next chapter alongside Suzanne and the entire Gray Dawes team.”