FCm gains US east coast agency
FCm Travel Solutions has secured a US east coast footing after its parent company, Flight Centre Limited, acquired a 25% stake in Boston-based Garber Travel Service.
Family-owned Garber is Boston’s largest travel company and in 2006 it generated more than $270million in total transaction value through more than 20 offices in Massachusetts, California, Rhode Island, Illinois, Vermont, Virginia, New Hampshire, Toronto, and London.
FCm Travel Solutions global executive general manager, Anthony Grigson, said the move would enhance FC’s US network, which includes offices in Chicago and Los Angeles .
“Our relationship with Garber will give our network solid east and west coast presences, and improve our ability to service US and international clients,” he said.
“Garber’s management team will continue to run the business, and will work closely with Fcm’s North American leadership team to secure new business and expand the FCm brand.”
Should the owners of Garber Travel choose to sell additional shares in the business in the future, Flight Centre Limited has secured first right of refusal.
In March 2006, Flight Centre Limited acquired Chicago-based Bannockburn Travel Management, which became part of the FCm Travel Solutions brand.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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