Carlson Wagonlit Travel acquires business travel division of Raiffeisen Reisen GMBH Wien

PARIS - FRANKFURT September 6, 2005 - Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) announced today the acquisition of the business travel division of Raiffeisen Reisen GmbH Wien, a travel agency network in Austria. This move represents a significant increase in CWT’s market position in Austria. Final approval of the acquisition by regulatory authorities is pending.

Commenting on CWT’s latest acquisition, Hubert Joly, President and CEO of CWT Worldwide, said, “ The acquisition of Raiffeisen Reisen is in keeping with our global strategy of profitable growth. In addition to sustained organic growth, we’ve demonstrated our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions. Our success, coupled with the industry’s mandate for economies of scale, is encouraging us to continue in the same direction.”

Fred Wellenhofer, Managing Director of Raiffeisen Reisen GmbH Wien, added, “This transaction allows us to focus our efforts on our core business, which is leisure travel.
Our business travel clients, in turn, will benefit from Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s highly professional, customer-oriented philosophy.”

About Carlson Wagonlit Travel  

Carlson Wagonlit Travel is a world leader in business travel management partnering with large corporations, small- and medium-sized companies, and government institutions. CWT designs and implements superior travel management programs for clients based upon its recognized consulting expertise, strong purchasing power, technological prowess, and consistent delivery of high-quality service. CWT has operations in more than 140 countries and services 60 of the world’s 100 largest companies. Annual sales of $19 USD billion are generated under the Carlson Wagonlit Travel brand. The company is co-owned by Paris-based Accor group and Minneapolisbased Carlson Companies. For more information, visit www.carlsonwagonlit.com.

Media Contact:

Kim Derderian
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Tél : +33 1 41 33 60 44
kderderian@carlsonwagonlit.fr

Sébastien Smirou
Ogilvy PR
Tél. : +33 1 53 67 12 58
sebastien.smirou@ogilvy.com

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