Hogg Robinson today announces that it has acquired Robustelli World Travel, until recently a BCD/WorldTravel affiliate, in a move that strengthens Hogg Robinson’s already significant presence in the US.
This development follows Hogg Robinson’s acquisition of Sea Gate Travel in 2005. The executive management of the two American companies will come together to form an integrated US operation.
Founded in 1965 and based in Stamford, Connecticut, Robustelli has an impressive client portfolio, which includes many Fortune 500 companies, and an excellent reputation for its service to them. Whilst its focus is on managed corporate clients, Robustelli also has a strong presence in meeting and event planning and in sports travel management, capabilities that perfectly complement the range of services in Hogg Robinson’s other companies around the world.
The new combined company, which will be a powerful force in the United States, will bring many benefits to clients including access to Hogg Robinson’s global network - where it is represented in 100 countries, and its comprehensive range of travel and expense management products, services and non-aligned technologies.
Robustelli’s executive management team led by Rick Robustelli, Paul Salvatore and Dan DeFrancesco will all become part of Hogg Robinson’s new integrated senior management team in the USA.
Paul Salvatore, CEO of Robustelli, said: “Hogg Robinson is a respected company with exceptional global capabilities and we are delighted to be joining them. The stability of its wholly owned global network was a major factor as we anticipate our clients’ future needs. I am personally looking forward to contributing to the success of what we believe to be the industry’s most progressive player.”
The Robustelli acquisition builds on Hogg Robinson’s existing capabilities in North America which are complemented by BTI Canada, one of the top three travel management companies in Canada, also wholly owned by Hogg Robinson.
Dan Green, CEO of Hogg Robinson Sea Gate, said: “We are very pleased to be welcoming Robustelli’s senior management team and all their staff to our North American operations. Through the combined expertise of Robustelli, Sea Gate Travel and Hogg Robinson, we can offer a truly integrated, compelling service across North America. As a company, Robustelli is a perfect match in terms of operating culture and its focus on delivering value to the client.”
Hogg Robinson Chief Executive, David Radcliffe added: “As an international corporate services company, Hogg Robinson’s philosophy is to ensure we offer real value to our clients in every part of the world. We are particularly delighted, therefore, to welcome a company to the Hogg Robinson group with the prestigious reputation of Robustelli whose client focused approach, existing international experience and local knowledge will further strengthen our North American presence. The coming together of Sea Gate and Robustelli are the start of an exciting expansion programme in North America where we anticipate making further announcements in due course.”
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For more information, please contact:
Biss Lancaster Darrel Connell/Pippa Lawrence
Tel: + 44 (0) 207 467 9200
Email: pippa.lawrence@bisslancaster.com
Notes to Editors:
Hogg Robinson plc is the award-winning international corporate services company whose interests include wholly-owned corporate travel operations in Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Macau, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the UK, all of which trade as BTI, and Sea Gate Travel and Robustelli in the United States. These single-owned entities are supplemented by a strong partner network in a further 80 countries around the world.
Totally committed to a value offering for clients, in 2005 Hogg Robinson invested in Spendvision, the automated expense management company, to broaden its existing extensive and comprehensive portfolio. This range of services includes travel management and fulfilment services; low cost transactions; consultancy; expense management and processing; sports travel management services; conferences, meeting, incentives and event management.
Hogg Robinson Sea Gate was originally founded in 1928 and is today one of the largest independently owned agencies in the USA. Headquartered in New York City, Hogg Robinson Sea Gate is a recognised leader in customer service, travel technology and integrated solutions and provides a comprehensive range of corporate travel services to many of the Fortune 500 and 100 companies.
Robustelli was founded in 1965 by Professional football Hall of Famer Andy Robustelli who had the notion to create a company that would meet many different business needs but focusing on building customer and industry relationships. Based in Stamford Connecticut, Robustelli provides integrated, value added programmes, services and innovative ideas to its clients many of whom are in the Fortune 100.