American Express Travel to Sell 12 Service Offices to Altour

American Express and Altour announced that American Express has agreed to sell 12 travel service offices to Altour, with the travel offices to remain a part of the American Express Retail Network through the Altour relationship.

The groups said that they expect the transaction will close by the end of the year, subject to standard closing conditions.

American Express Travel offers multi-channel servicing to ensure customers can be serviced in the way they choose - including walk-in, call-in and click-in online service. American Express Travel's in-person servicing through the American Express Retail Travel Network is composed of both owned travel service offices and members of the U.S. Representative Travel Network.

According to a release, with the announcement, American Express and Altour will expand an existing relationship forged in May when Altour became a member of the American Express U.S. Representative Travel Network and the two companies joined forces to provide new programs and services for the network. Among the world's largest independent agencies, Altour currently represents $850 million in sales, has 63 office locations around the globe, and specializes in meeting the needs of high-end and mid-market travelers. The company is one of the largest members of the U.S. Representative Travel Network and a key strategic partner.

The 12 offices being sold are geographically spread throughout the United States, from New York to California and from Illinois to Texas.

"We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with American Express," said Alexandre Chemla, president and owner, Altour. "This transaction expands Altour's leisure travel business and extends our reach as we continue to offer customers premium travel programs and first-class service."

"I am pleased that these travel offices will remain a critical part of our extended network through Altour, allowing us to continue serving customers with the American Express brand and benefits," said Ellen Bettridge, vice president, American Express Retail Travel Network. "With the sale of these travel offices to an established partner, we will maintain a broad network presence in key markets and refocus investments in the travel service offices we continue to own."

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