22 February 2006 | Rebecca Ellinor

Hogg Robinson, parent firm of travel management company BTI UK, has acquired US firm Robustelli World Travel.

The move, which was announced yesterday, strengthens Hogg Robinson's presence in the US and follows its acquisition of Sea Gate Travel in 2005. The executive team of the two American firms will merge to form an integrated US operation.

Robustelli World Travel was until recently a BCD/WorldTravel affiliate. As reported in SM, (News, 19 January 2006), more buy-outs were expected after the year began with several travel management companies (TMCs) changing hands.

One change saw Hogg Robinson ending its 15-year BTI joint venture with Dutch company BCD Holdings. BTI UK was previously part of BTI.

The shake-up meant many buyers began the year with TMC suppliers under new ownership with different overseas networks, but were reassured it would be 'business as usual'.

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