Global and Worldchoice aim for July merger
Global and Worldchoice are aiming to push ahead with a merger under the Triton umbrella by July after Advantage pulled out of talks to create a super consortium (see earlier story).
Global chief executive Andrew Botterill said he was confident that the required 75% of members would vote for the merger at an extraordinary general meeting.
“Nobody likes delay and we went to get on with things now. We will be able to accelerate the development of our product and technology and also give agents the ability to earn shares in the new company,” he said.
“It’s an exciting time for us. Global have been engaged to Worldchoice for 18 months and now we’re getting married.”
Talks with Advantage stalled because the different consortiums could not agree on the way forward. It is thought only 25 per cent of Advantage members have made any bookings on the Triton system.
Botterill refused to criticise Advantage, but said he was certain that consolidation in the independent sector was vital.
“I respect Advantage, they have got some good members, and good luck to them in the future,” he said.
“We have now got 1,400 agents all pushing in the same direction. It’s no co-incidence that the Global/Worldchoice deal comes in the same week as the Co-ops have merged and follows on from the consolidation of the big four operators. Independents need strength in depth.”
Botterill said that the Triton board would consult on how to promote the consortiums, but the identity of Global and Worldchoice would be preserved. He also quashed rumours of redundancies following the merger.
“Staff at both consortiums are excited about the possibilities. We are growing, not making cuts.”
Advantage will remain an affiliate member of Triton.
by Jeremy Skidmore (www.jeremyskidmore.com)
Jeremy Skidmore
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