Amadeus, Global Distribution System
(GDS) and travel industry technology provider, is to gain full control of
its German distribution partner, Start Amadeus GmbH from Lufthansa
Commercial Holding GmbH.

Amadeus

intends to raise its shareholding in Start Amadeus to 100 per cent
by acquiring Lufthansa`s 66 per cent investment in the business. In return,
Lufthansa will receive approximately EUR 100 million. 

Start Amadeus has developed and runs the world`s largest distribution
platform for leisure travel.  This serves 171 tour operators, including all
the leading companies, and processed 22.2 million leisure passenger bookings
in 2001. In the same year, the company processed over 30 million rail
bookings. Start Amadeus also provides travel agents in Germany with access
to Amadeus, processing 44.2 million bookings in 2001.

Start Amadeus was established in 1971 and had a turnover of EUR 172.5
million in 2001. The company is based in Bad Homburg, near Frankfurt in
Germany.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2003 and is
subject to final contract negotiations and regulatory approval.

Commenting, Jose Antonio Tazon

, President and CEO of Amadeus, said:
“Germany is the largest market for Amadeus and of key strategic importance
to us.  The country is a world leader in leisure travel, as well as a
significant source of international corporate travel. Start Amadeus`s
experience of serving a broad range of customers in these key areas will be
of great value to Amadeus. This acquisition clearly demonstrates our
commitment to serving the evolving needs of German travel agents, and
applying Start Amadeus`s experience in leisure travel to other markets
around the world.” 

Related stories on ITN:

(16/12/2002) Amadeus to Strengthen Regional Network in Africa

(04/12/2002) Amadeus Announces 2003 Airline Reservations Pricing

(27/11/2002) Amadeus Delivers New Reservation Tool for Agents

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