UK regulator gives provisional green light for Amex GBT-CWT merger
The UK competition regulator has given a provisional approval for American Express Global Business Travel’s planned merger with CWT Holdings.
It marks an about-turn for the Competition and Markets Authority, which just a few months ago had said the deal would ‘lessen competition.’
The CMA’s stance now is that the merger should be permitted to proceed.
“Having considered all of the evidence, particularly the further analysis of CWT’s financial position, we have now provisionally concluded that the merger will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in corporate travel management services,” said Martin Coleman, chair of the independent experts assessing the merger.
The CMA opened public comments until February 25.
It is expected to make a final decision on March 9.
It represents ‘an important milestone toward the consummation of the transaction,’ said Amex GBT Chief Legal Officer, Eric J. Bock.
It marks a contrast to the situation in the US.
The Department of Justice has sued to block the merger, citing likely ‘higher prices, less innovation and fewer choices.’
However, with a new Administration having taken over in the White House, the civil antitrust lawsuit could be scrapped.
Related News Stories: UK Regulator Gives Green Light to Amex GBT-CWT Merger UK regulator gives provisional green light for Amex GBT-CWT merger Making headlines: The Amex GBT-CWT mega-merger | Business ... Skift on X: "All of the sudden, this deal is showing some life. If the UK ... Cerebri AI Inc. | LinkedIn AmEx Global Business Travel Gets UK Antitrust Green Light for CWT ... “Skift Daily Travel Briefing”?? - Apple ?? California Water Service Group (CWT) | PYMNTS.com Skift Daily Travel Briefing | Podcast on Spotify
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt