American Express Global Business Travel (AmEx GBT) signed an agreement to acquire Banks Sadler, an international event management agency headquartered in London. The company will operate as part of American Express Meetings & Events, a division of AmEX GBT. When the transaction completes, which is expected in the third quarter of 2017, the company and its staff will formally become part of AmEx GBT.
“Banks Sadler is one of the most respected M&E brands,” said Issa Jouaneh, SVP and general manager of AmEx Meetings & Events, calling the acquisition a “strategic [move] for AmEx. “It brings an extensive range of services and solutions with an independent agency mindset that we will maintain and grow.”
Banks Sadler was founded in 1982 in London and has offices in York, Windsor, Paris, Dusseldorf and New York. It has approximately 250 employees. Over the last 35 years, the business and brand have built trust and—under the leadership of Leigh Jagger—the company has expanded its service and portfolio.
“The sale is a pivotal moment,” Jagger said. “Though customers will not notice any change, the business is now supported by one of the largest travel and meetings management companies in the world. We will, therefore, continue to offer best-in-class, event planning and management while benefitting from American Express Meetings & Events’ supplier relationships, global scale and [SMM] expertise.”
