CWT Acquires Navigant
AUGUST 9, 2006. Carlson Wagonlit Travel's (CWT) acquisition of Navigant International Inc., formally doing business as TQ3Navigant, is complete.
The agreement to purchase Navigant was originally announced on April 27, 2006. Subsequently, the transaction gained necessary regulatory approvals and was approved by Navigant stockholders at a special meeting on July 12, 2006.
Coinciding with the acquisition of Navigant by CWT is the finalisation of the acquisition of Accor's 50-percent stake in CWT by Carlson Companies and One Equity Partners (OEP). On April 27, 2006, Carlson, a global leader in the travel, hotel, restaurant and marketing industries, and OEP, a private equity affiliate of JPMorgan Chase & Co., announced that, following regulatory approval, Carlson's shares in CWT would increase to 55 percent, with OEP holding the remaining 45 percent.
Since the intent to acquire Navigant was first announced by CWT, integration teams composed of subject matter experts from the two companies have met regularly to create a framework for the merger of their leadership, employees, operations, services and technology. Now, with the acquisition complete, the teams will accelerate integration efforts. As a result, employees, suppliers and clients who were formerly associated with Navigant will begin to see their day-to-day activities gradually combined with those of CWT.
"Months of effort have made this transaction a reality. Now, we are eager to work with the clients and employees of what was formerly Navigant and we look forward to realising the combined potential of these two corporate travel leaders," said Hubert Joly, president and chief executive officer, Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
The acquisition of Navigant doubles the size of CWT in North America and expands its presence in Asia Pacific through Navigant operations in Australia and New Zealand. Today, CWT is the second-largest travel management company in the world.
"Today marks an exciting step forward for the two companies and the travel industry. Travel and travel management services have been a core business for Carlson since the 1970s and, as the new majority shareholder of CWT, we are delighted to be playing an even more influential role in the business travel management industry," said Marilyn Carlson Nelson, chairman and chief executive officer of Carlson Companies. "Clients around the world will benefit from our combined talent and expanded resources as we work together to anticipate and further serve their needs."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
