Direct Travel Acquires ATPI, Creating $6 Billion Global Travel Powerhouse

Direct Travel, a major travel management company (TMC) in the corporate travel market, announced this week it has acquired ATPI, a move it said “creates a modern, global travel management powerhouse.”

ATPI, which is headquartered in Manchester, U.K., employs around 2,500 people and has operations spanning more than 100 locations on six continents. It has been a long-term strategic partner for Direct.

The acquisition combines the two companies, creating one of the world’s largest TMCs. Together, the combined company is projected to drive more than $6 billion in annual total travel volume.

Direct Travel, which itself was acquired by Concur founder Steve Singh and a group of investment firms in April 2024, said it made the move because of “ATPI’s strong fundamentals, proven strengths in corporate travel, and its deep expertise across specialty markets such as energy, marine, sports, and mining.”

“ATPI has a commanding presence in the international travel management space and a strong history of collaboration with Direct Travel, making them a perfect fit to strengthen our efforts in delivering exceptional service at scale,” said Christal Bemont, CEO, Direct Travel.

“This partnership represents a pivotal moment in reshaping managed travel, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions and a seamless experience for clients across a range of sectors and of all sizes and locations. Together, we will redefine what it means to offer The Perfect Trip on a global scale.”