BCD Travel expands, again, with larger stake in U.S. agency

Ownership boost in Acendas Travel continues aggressive growth strategy.

BCD Travel has increased its ownership interest in Acendas Travel. The agency is part of BCD Travel Affiliates, a network of 30 corporate travel agencies with more than 450 locations. Acendas is co-headquartered in Mission, Kansas, and Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

“Partnerships and smart investments in companies like Acendas, not only fuel business growth, but also allow us to continue providing exceptional products and services to our clients,” said Mike Janssen, BCD’s president of the Americas region.

The decision to take a greater ownership stake in the company came with the upcoming retirement of one of Acendas’ owners, Gary D. Davis. Acendas will continue to operate as a BCD affiliate under its current name.

“BCD Travel has been a trusted partner of ours for over 14 years,” said Acendas co-owner Brent Blake. “We use [BCD’s] technologies within our operations. We utilize their global platform to service several of our clients in other countries, and we seek their advice on industry issues in determining our long-term strategies.”

BCD’s investment in Acendas is the latest move in the travel management company’s aggressive growth plans. Other expansions have included taking full ownership of Nordic travel agency Ticket Biz; acquisition of international events agency Zibrant, marketing logistics agency Plan 365 Life Sciences, mobile technology company GetGoing and travel agency World Travel Services; majority stakes in agencies in Hong Kong, China and Brazil; and an ownership stake in a Dubai agency. Acendas has been expanding, as well, with four acquisitions in Minnesota since 2010.

 

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