Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the world’s largest business travel management player, has just announced the full share purchase of Finland’s Kaleva Travel. Kaleva, Finland’s leading business travel agency, was already an operational partner with CarlsonWagonlit operating in Scandanavia, the Baltics, and Romania.
According to CEO Mika Kiljunen, Kaleva Travel was not big enough as an independent player to meet the demands of the whole industry. Kaleva’s employees will stay on and continue working for the larger organization according to the news too. It was suggested that Carlson Wagonlit is interested in refining and using Kaleva’s expertise in online mobile technologies. Executive VP for Nordic countries, Patrick Anderson, mirred as much in his statements to the press.
Kaleva operates 16 offices in Finland alone. The company has a fairly impressive online footprint as well. The Facebook and Twitter engagements seem very active, even though they don’t follow so many as follow them. From this writer’s perspective and experience, Kaleva seems like a tailored and quality oriented organization.
Kaleva’s CEO also added this:
“Our clients’ needs have expanded as companies of all sizes increasingly find themselves participating in a global economy. At the same time, expectations have increased as clients seek a true consultant to help guide their travel decisions. CWT can help Kaleva Travel advance our capabilities in each of these areas given its global footprint, award-winning products and service, and proven track record with clients of all sizes.”
The integration of the two companies has already begun, and will continue into the coming months. CWT and Kaleva will focus on supplying value to customers as a single entity, just as they did as individuals, according to the press release. CWT’s reach extends to over 150 countries, and the added depth Kaleva suggests can only strengthen their already formidable offerings.
View Comments (1)
Great article....love the bread and butter photo!