Long Lake to acquire world’s largest corporate travel platform Amex GBT for $6.3 bn, ETTravelWorld

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), operated by Global Business Travel Group, Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Long Lake Management in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately USD 6.3 billion. The agreement marks a significant development in the corporate travel sector, combining technology-driven capabilities with large-scale travel services.

Under the terms of the transaction, Amex GBT shareholders will receive USD 9.50 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately 60.2 per cent to the closing stock price on 1 May 2026 and around 65.1 per cent over the 30-day volume weighted average price. The deal has been unanimously approved by the company’s Board of Directors following a recommendation from an independent Special Committee.

The transaction is supported by major shareholders, including American Express, Expedia, Qatar Investment Authority, and BlackRock, which collectively represent 69 per cent of Amex GBT’s shares and have entered into voting agreements in favour of the acquisition. The existing American Express brand licensing agreement will remain in place post-transaction, ensuring continuity for clients and partners.

The acquisition aims to combine Long Lake’s applied artificial intelligence capabilities with Amex GBT’s global marketplace, customer base, and technology platforms. The integration is expected to enhance operational efficiency, streamline booking processes, and improve disruption management in corporate travel.

Paul Abbott, Chief Executive Officer of Amex GBT, said: “This transaction is a testament to the value of Amex GBT, the success of our strategy and the strength of our incredible team. This agreement delivers a compelling outcome for our shareholders, providing them a substantial, certain cash value at an attractive premium. Our customers have always been at the heart of Amex GBT, and this partnership with Long Lake is about serving them even better. General Catalyst and Alpha Wave, among Long Lake’s world-class investors, have backed some of the most successful technology companies in the world. Together with Long Lake’s applied AI capabilities and our travel expertise, global scale, and trusted customer and supplier relationships built over decades, Amex GBT is driving the transformation of business travel.”Ken Chenault, Chairman and Managing Director, General Catalyst, said: “American Express Global Business Travel was built on trust earned over decades. Similarly, the foundation of the Long Lake model is a strong commitment to extraordinary customer service for the modern era. I am so pleased for both companies, their customers, and the people dedicated to their success – now and in the future.”

Alex Taubman, Co-Founder and CEO of Long Lake, said: “Amex GBT is the most trusted partner in corporate travel. The future of business travel will be defined by AI and human agents working seamlessly together on behalf of every traveler: faster booking times, proactive disruption resolution, and frictionless travel administration. In partnership with Long Lake, Amex GBT will continue to invest heavily in these capabilities and continue to set the gold standard for customer excellence.”

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearances. Upon completion, Amex GBT will be delisted and operate as a privately held company.