Global

MasterCard Worldwide and Carlson Wagonlit Travel Launch Enhanced Corporate Travel Data Solution

Global Program provides Companies and Government  Agencies with Comprehnsive Access to Enhanced  Travel Data

MUNICH , October 24, 2007  -  MasterCard Worldwide and Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), the leading business travel management company, announced the launch of a global, card-based enhanced travel data program for corporate travel buyers. The program will ensure that CWT clients who pay with MasterCard commercial cards have consistent, high- quality data related to travel and entertainment expenditures around the world. This will enable organizations to more rapidly implement and optimize a corporate card program on a global basis.
 
At the core of the new enhanced travel data program is a fully integrated, card-based global network that will allow MasterCard issuers to offer companies of all sizes, as well as government agencies, the ability to access, analyze and act upon more complete data related to their travel program. Integrating travel program information such as policy rules, itineraries, and accounting codes with actual expenditures can help CWT clients with MasterCard corporate cards to achieve savings.
 
“Corporate travel buyers, especially multinational corporations, require access to robust data that allows them to closely manage travel spending globally and at the regional and country level. This program will do just that by allowing users to better understand travel spending patterns around the world and make smarter business decisions ,” said Paul Adler, Vice President, Global Commerce Development, MasterCard Worldwide. “ MasterCard sits at the heart of global commerce and together with Carlson Wagonlit Travel, can deliver more complete and relevant information that will streamline travel procurement and drive savings.”
 
“CWT is committed to providing clients with integrated data from multiple sources so they can manage their travel program more effectively. As a global leader, MasterCard obtains invoice-level data from travel suppliers around the world. Working with MasterCard issuers, CWT can ensure that organizations receive the level of detail necessary to reconcile expenses charged to their central travel accounts, aggregate data for supplier negotiations and help track travel policy compliance,” said Dawn Raasch, Director, Global Product Management, Carlson Wagonlit Travel. She added, “ Enhanced data will also help us provide our clients with better reporting and even more relevant recommendations for optimizing their travel program.”
 
The new enhanced travel data program is now available in Australia, China and Singapore as well as 13 European markets: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The program will be introduced in other markets over time. Travel content from CWT will be fully integrated and delivered via the MasterCard corporate payments suite of solutions, including SmartData, ® the leading global payments information and reporting tool.
 
Among the first MasterCard issuers to offer the new program to corporate customers is GE Money. Geoff Beeson, Head of Market Strategy for Corporate Payment Services, commented: "As a leading provider of multinational corporate payment solutions, we greatly welcome this innovation from two of our longstanding business partners. Robust data is critical to our customers' travel procurement process, and this initiative enables our customers to benefit from global online information supporting travel expenditures. Coupled with the expertise CWT offers worldwide, this means clients can more effectively manage their travel program.”
 
The MasterCard and CWT enhanced travel data program respects current data privacy laws, including European data protection and privacy legislation.
 

About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 16 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard ®, Maestro ® and Cirrus ®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information, go to www.mastercard.com.

About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) is a global leader specializing in business travel management. Present in more than 150 countries, CWT serves companies of all sizes, as well as government institutions and nongovernmental organizations. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and leading-edge technology, CWT helps clients derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of savings, service and security, and provides best-in-class service and assistance to travelers. CWT services and solutions comprise four lines of business: Traveler & Transaction Services, Program Optimization, Safety & Security, and Meetings & Events. CWT has 22,000 employees worldwide. In 2006, pro-forma sales volume for wholly owned operations and joint ventures totaled US$20.5 billion. For more information, please visit www.carlsonwagonlit.com.

Media Contacts:
Bernhard Mors
MasterCard Europe Communications
+32-2-352-5057
bernhard_mors@mastercard.com

Kim Derderian
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Direct line: +33 (0)1 41 33 60 44
Cell phone: +33 (0)6 03 07 69 92
kderderian@carlsonwagonlit.com

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