China’s Trip-com Group has acquired travel management company Key Travel through its Trip-Biz 'digital first' corporate travel division.

UK-based Key Travel specialises in organising travel for the non-profit sector. It was ranked as the 15th largest TMC in the UK, as well as the 30th largest in Europe earlier this year, and additionally has offices in Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

While Trip.Biz is acquiring Key Travel’s EMEA business, Los Angeles-based Globespan Travel Management has purchased Key Travel Inc, the US division of the TMC, in a separate deal.

Trip.Biz said that the Key Travel acquisition would allow it to “accelerate our market presence in the EMEA region, while enhancing our coverage for clients worldwide”. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Trip.com Group, which is based in Shanghai and Singapore, also owns major travel brands such as Ctrip, Skyscanner and Qunar.

“We're combining our advanced technology platforms with human services to consolidate travel management and dedicated support for travellers everywhere,” said Trip.Biz in a statement.

“Key Travel was naturally the best partner for this journey. Key Travel will operate exclusively within Trip.Biz’s business travel ecosystem, leveraging [the] Trip.Biz purpose-built technology stack for business clients. This ensures greater efficiency, scalability and service excellence.” 

In its statement, Trip.Biz said that the platform works with 15,000 multinational corporations and 1 million SMEs around the world.

In North America, Key Travel Inc will “transition to operate exclusively” within Globespan’s ecosystem.

“Key Travel Inc has built a strong legacy serving purpose-driven organisations across the United States,” said Daniel Moretta, president of Globespan Travel Management. “We are proud to welcome their team and clients to Globespan, where our blend of innovation and personalised service will drive greater efficiency, compliance and care.”