Dnata, considered the ‘World’s Leading Travel Management Company’ by the prestigious World Travel Awards and the world’s fourth largest air services provider today announced it has acquired a majority stake in Travel Republic (www.travelrepublic.co.uk), the largest privately owned online travel agency in the UK. The acquisition represents one of dnata’s biggest business transactions in the company’s 52 year history.

Through the use of pioneering technology, Travel Republic offers unbeatable prices on a choice of 120,000 hotels, and flights with some 100 airlines to 650 destinations worldwide. The business provides its website in an increasing range of languages and helps over two million customers a year with their holiday plans. The company has recently launched sites in Ireland, Spain and Italy and with further expansion plans across the rest of Europe, Travel Republic is on target to become one of the largest travel companies in the European region.

The new investment will allow dnata to capitalise on the increasing popularity of online travel booking which has seen dramatic growth in the past year. Travel Republic recorded an increase of over 40% in its annual turnover for 2011 to over £400 million as consumers increasingly prefer to arrange their own holidays independently from traditional tour operators.  dnata will use the strength of its global travel network to expand on this further by offering a broader range of destinations whilst maintaining the same price competitive and high-quality customer experience.

The acquisition continues dnata’s international expansion and also follows the travel team’s recent expansion into India. “Travel Republic will complement our existing leisure and corporate travel services in Dubai and internationally,” said Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President of dnata’s travel business. “The company has an impressive, dynamic management team and I am confident that together we can further develop the business, in line with the outstanding service and quality for which dnata is renowned.”

“We are excited that Travel Republic has joined the dnata family” said Kane Pirie, Managing Director of Travel Republic. “dnata is forward thinking and ambitious and will help accelerate our growth across Europe and beyond.”

The acquisition is effective from 28th December 2011, and the business will continue under the Travel Republic branding.