Amadeus today announced an agreement to
invest in Optims, the leading European supplier of IT services to the
hospitality industry.

Under the terms of the transaction, Amadeus

will acquire a 30 per cent
shareholding in Optims

through a reserved share capital increase, for a
maximum of EUR 6 million, represented in EUR 4.8 million in upfront cash and
EUR 1.2 million in a convertible loan. Optims is listed in the Paris Stock
Exchange`s Nouveau Marché, with a 39 per cent float, while the rest is held
by its founders, venture capitalists and financial institutions.

Completion of the transaction remains subject to the approval of the French
market and German Regulatory authorities, as well as Optims` extraordinary
shareholders` general meeting to be held on 31 October 2003 at the latest.

This investment comes with the signature of a development, technology and
marketing agreement which sets up a co-operation framework for Amadeus and
Optims to further develop and promote their respective products in the
hospitality sector individually and, eventually, as integrated or bundled
systems.

With an important presence in France, Germany, Spain and other European
countries, Optims serves over 5,500 hotel customers, including Accor,
Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Envergure, Four Seasons and the Savoy Group, in
more than 70 countries around the world, offering a complementary range of
products for the sector.
As Amadeus has proven successful in providing airlines with reservations,
inventory and departure control services, this deal also demonstrates
Amadeus`s commitment as one of the leading suppliers of IT services for
travel suppliers and distributors.

This agreement will enable Amadeus-connected travel agencies and online
travel providers access to offer and make reservations through the Optims
Group CRS - Otedis - offering inventory of approximately 4,000 hotels.

“Our knowledge of the tourism industry, built on permanent dialogue with our
customers, mirrors the Amadeus business approach”, said Antoine Medawar, CEO
of Optims. “Amadeus is the perfect fit for Optims` value proposition.
Together we`ll be able to build a bundled new generation global offering for
the hospitality and tourism sectors, which will include PMS, CRS, electronic
distribution and Yield Management. In addition, Amadeus will provide us with
an unbeatable distribution capability both for our products and services and
for our clients` inventory.”

“Amadeus will take another step forward by bringing an extensive and
customised offering to the hospitality sector”, said Amadeus Senior Vice
President, Corporate Strategy, Philippe Chérèque. “Through this investment
in Optims, we are increasing our hotel-related technology expertise and
strengthening Optims` ability to further enhance their IT services for
customers.

“The two companies will provide the leading-edge vertically integrated
inventory and distribution solution that the hospitality industry has long
been waiting for, seamlessly connecting all distribution channels to a
centralised, single-image inventory of room availability and rates.
Furthermore, with Optims, Amadeus customers will benefit from an additional
range and depth in our hotel distribution solutions, also improving the
bookable content offer to our travel distribution partners,” Chérèque added.

Related Stories on ITN:

(03/07/2003) LOT Polish Airlines Integrates to Amadeus Sales System

(01/07/2003) Griffin Marine Travel Adopts Amadeus Vista Worldwide

(18/07/2003) Amadeus Reports Growth in Hotel Bookings

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