American Express Business Travel has launched its “Intelligent Online Marketplace” for travel and related business services. Powered by San Mateo, Calif.-based Rearden Commerce, Inc., the new Web-based marketplace for services brings together inventory from more than 135,000 suppliers to provide a one-stop-shop where employees can find, purchase and manage both traditional travel (flights, hotel stays and car rentals) and a growing list of other services, such as airport parking, dining, ground transportation, event tickets, package shipping and audio/web conferencing.

To effectively deliver the solution to its client base in the United States, American Express has formed a product council with Rearden that will focus on future development needs.  In addition, American Express has taken a minority equity stake in Rearden and will name an executive to join Rearden’s board. 

“Ten years after pioneering online corporate travel, American Express Business Travel is excited to engage Rearden Commerce in this strategic initiative and introduce a new standard for managing travel spend beyond the traditional categories of air, car and hotel services,” said Priyan Fernando, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of American Express Business Travel. “The American Express Intelligent Online Marketplace will leverage our combined and distinct capabilities to help companies achieve a higher degree of visibility and control over all aspects of their travel and related expense.  Rearden’s online personal assistant will simplify schedule management and provide the peace of mind employees need to remain productive while on the road.”

“Rearden Commerce is pleased to begin this close collaboration with American Express Business Travel to bring the power of the Rearden Commerce Network to their customers,” said Patrick Grady, Rearden Commerce Founder and CEO. “This strategic relationship has the ability to transform the travel experience for millions of employees, bringing them the services they need, when and where they need them.  In addition, it gives corporations the ability to strategically source services and build stronger relationships with their most valued suppliers through Rearden’s open network, especially as we continue to add new services, suppliers and functionality to the marketplace.”

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