ETG expands across Tasman

EXPRESS Travel Group has today confirmed it is in exclusive discussions regarding a majority investment in First Travel Group NZ (TD breaking news).

Express Travel Group CEO Tom Manwaring said the companies had been in talks for some time, and last week signed a “Term Agreement” with a 90-day exclusivity period.

He said the investment would see both organisations continue with business as usual, however shared technology and systems would allow operations on both sides of the Tasman to “progress with enhancements to their customer experience in both retail and corporate”.

Manwaring said Express Travel Group and First Travel Group were both strong, fully integrated, independent businesses, having had a close relationship for many years including a strategic alliance entered into in 2015.

“We look forward to finalising the deal within 90 days to the satisfaction of both parties,” Manwaring said, with multiple commonalities including strong local management, shared preferred partners, technology, customer segments and complementary values.

First Travel Group NZ CEO Malcolm MacLeod said the potential deal was an exciting opportunity giving members the chance to enhance their businesses and give the group the tools to further grow membership.