Sabre and Amadeus seek JV approval
LONDON – Sabre Holdings and Amadeus have filed with the European Commission for antitrust approval to create a joint venture concentrating on non-air items.
The rival Global Distribution System companies said the initiative would provide “secure, automated payment processing, clearing and reconciliation solutions” to the global travel industry.
“The intent of the joint venture is to establish an industry standard solution to improve and better meet the requirements of the travel industry with payment efficiencies, increased automation, and improved interoperability,” a statement said.
“The joint venture plans to focus on the non-air segments of the industry such as hotels, cruise, tour, car and rail.
“The joint venture will integrate the existing financial instruments already used by the travel industry into a best-in-class multi-channel, multi-GDS platform, which will allow travel industry players to effectively manage all aspects of their payment needs in a flexible, easy-to-use solution.”
No further details were given, with both companies saying more information on the joint venture solution will be available upon approval, but no timetable was indicated.
The move comes as competitor GDSs Galileo and Worldspan conclude merger arrangements.
by Phil Davies
Ian Jarrett
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