GOV UK,CMA publishes interim report in corporate travel merger

CMA Publishes Interim Report on Proposed Merger between Corporate Travel Management Companies

Date: 2024-11-06

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the United Kingdom has published an interim report on the proposed merger between two major corporate travel management companies, CWT and BCD Group. The merger was announced in December 2023 and would create one of the largest corporate travel companies in the world.

The CMA’s interim report identifies several potential competition concerns with the proposed merger. These include:

  • Reduced competition in the market for corporate travel management services: The merger would combine two of the largest players in the market, potentially leading to higher prices and less choice for customers.
  • Increased market power: The merged entity would have a significant share of the market, which could give it the ability to dictate terms to customers and suppliers.
  • Less innovation: With fewer competitors in the market, the merged entity might have less incentive to innovate and improve its services.

The CMA has also identified some potential benefits from the merger, such as:

  • Increased efficiency: The merged entity could potentially operate more efficiently than the two separate companies, leading to lower costs.
  • Greater choice for customers: The merged entity could offer a wider range of services and products to customers.
  • Increased investment in technology: The merged entity could have greater resources to invest in technology, which could benefit customers.

The CMA’s interim report is not a final decision on whether to block the merger. The CMA is now seeking feedback from interested parties on its findings before making a final decision in early 2025.

The proposed merger has also been reviewed by competition authorities in other countries, including the European Commission and the United States Department of Justice. The European Commission has approved the merger, subject to certain conditions. The United States Department of Justice is still reviewing the merger.

The outcome of the CMA’s review will have a significant impact on the future of the corporate travel management industry in the United Kingdom. If the merger is blocked, the two companies will remain separate and the CMA’s competition concerns will be addressed. If the merger is approved, the CMA will likely impose conditions on the merged entity to mitigate the competition concerns identified in its interim report.


CMA publishes interim report in corporate travel merger

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