Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), the international corporate services company, today announced that it has acquired BTI Czech Republic and BTI Slovakia, two of the largest independent business travel suppliers in their respective countries.  With an existing wholly owned presence in both Hungary and Russia, the move further strengthens HRG’s foothold in Eastern Europe, a region currently experiencing rapid growth in business travel.

The acquisitions of BTI Czech Republic and BTI Slovakia, which were founded as Global Express in 1990 by current Managing Director Jana Prochazkova, brings the number of countries in which Hogg Robinson has wholly owned entities (and joint ventures) to 23 and confirms the company’s commitment to have a strong presence in all the key driver/growth markets. In addition to the owned companies, the HRG worldwide network extends to a further 66 countries of strategic importance making it one of the leading corporate service providers, specialising in business travel, in the world.

BTI Czech Republic and BTI Slovakia were, since 2002, former partners of the Business Travel International (BTI) network.  However, following today’s announcement the businesses will trade as HRG Czech Republic and HRG Slovakia. Having worked together for over four years, there is a good cultural fit between the management of both companies which, alongside Hogg Robinson’s proven record of integrating acquired companies, should ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Commenting on the acquisition, David Radcliffe, Chief Executive of Hogg Robinson Group, said: “This move is strategically important to HRG. We already have ownership in the Hungarian market and this acquisition gives us an additional owned presence in the Eastern European market which continues to see growth in the corporate services arena, particularly as it relates to business travel. Last year alone saw the number of air tickets printed in the Czech Republic increase by 8% on the previous year, and by 17% (vpy) in Slovakia. Moreover, following their admission into the European Union in 2004, and with both countries receiving greater levels of Direct Foreign Investment, we anticipate that the market will continue to expand.”

Commenting further, Radcliffe noted that: “Jana Prochazkova and her team have done a tremendous job in cementing the company’s position as one of leading independent business travel companies in Eastern Europe. With clients that include, amongst others, Deloitte, GlaxoSmithKline, KPMG, Astra Zeneca, we are confident we have acquired an established company which has the opportunity to establish an even stronger market position in the years ahead.”  

Commenting on the acquisition, Jana Prochazkova, Managing Director of the operations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia said: “This is one of the most important milestones in our history and represents a natural continuation to the partnership we forged in 2002 when we joined the BTI network. I am in no doubt that this is a win-win situation for all stakeholders: HRG Czech Republic and HRG Slovakia will become an integral part of one of the largest and most respected global corporate service companies, our employees will be given greater opportunities for professional growth and our customers will benefit from the latest travel technology and expertise. At the same time, Hogg Robinson Group will gain a professionally managed company with an excellent reputation both in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.”

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For further information please contact:

Darrel Connell / Pippa Lawrence
Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7467 9200
Email: darrel.connell@bisslancaster.com

Laurie Waugh, Public Relations Manager
Hogg Robinson Group
Tel: + 44 (0) 1256 312 623
Email: laurie.waugh@hrgworldwide.com  

Notes to Editors:

Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) is the award-winning international corporate services company whose interests include wholly-owned or majority controlled corporate travel operations in over 20 key driver/growth markets throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.  It is supported by a worldwide network of contracted partners in a further 66 countries. 

Totally committed to a value offering for clients, the HRG worldwide network offers a comprehensive range of corporate services which includes travel management, fulfilment services and low cost transactions as well as Consulting, Expense Management, Sports and Events & Meetings Management.

BTI Czech Republic and BTI Slovakia were first established as Global Express in 1990 and its sole shareholder is Ms. Jana Procházková. From the outset the company has specialised in business travel and it soon became the largest independent IATA agency in the Czech market. In 2002 Global Express joined the BTI network and renamed BTI Czech Republic and BTI Slovakia.

BTI Czech Republic and BTI Slovakia are among the largest travel management companies in their respective markets and enjoy excellent reputations thanks to their high quality service and personal customer approach. Apart from the Business Travel Management, the company also focuses on Events & Meetings Management.