Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) announces that it has acquired Net Tour Viagens E Turismo Ltda (Net Tours) through its local Brazilian subsidiary, Wagons Lits Turismo Do Brasil Ltda (CWT Brazil). Net Tours, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil has provided travel management expertise to corporate travellers since 1995.

Net Tours’ strong presence and customer base has resulted in an annual sales volume of more than BRL300m (US$160m). As a result of this acquisition, CWT Brazil strengthens its position in the travel management market. CWT continues to be the only global travel management company with wholly owned operations in Brazil.

“This acquisition will further consolidate CWT’s presence in Brazil. In addition to leveraging CWT’s global network and services to benefit Net Tours’ customers, it will also reinforce our relationships with suppliers in the region,”said Andre Carvalhal, president and CEO CWT Brazil.

“Latin America represents a real area of growth for the business travel industry, with Brazil in particular experiencing some of the most substantial increases of any region across the main areas of travel spend. I am delighted that Net Tours is becoming a wholly owned member of CWT and I am keen that we continue to build our footprint in this market,” commented Håkan Ericsson, president CWT EMEA and Latin America.

Integration of Net Tours has begun and will continue over the coming months. Throughout the transition, CWT Brazil and Net Tours will remain focused on delivering the strong service their customers have come to expect, while ensuring a seamless transition.