Amadeus

< back to Our investments

Activity

Travel distribution services

Location

Headquartered in Spain

Acquired

June 2005

Transaction value

€4.4 billion

Sales^*#

€2.9 billion

Employees

Approximately 8,533

^*12 months ending December 2008 (unaudited)
^#Sales include the results of Opodo, which is pro forma for disposals

Go to www.amadeus.com for more information about Amadeus

A presence in 217 markets worldwide

Business description
Amadeus is a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry. It has four main business lines: (i) it is the largest global distribution system (GDS), connecting travel services suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, with travel agents and end customers; (ii) its Altea business unit offers an IT outsourcing solution for airlines; (iii) its e-commerce business unit supports online travel technology and corporate travel management solutions; (iv) it owns a majority stake in Opodo, the online travel agent.

Cinven strategy
Amadeus was formed by four airlines in 1987. Cinven’s business services sector team first identified an opportunity to acquire the company in 2002. Although stock exchange listed, it was controlled by three of the original airline founders. They wished to remain involved but wanted to realise value from their holdings. The company needed a stable shareholder that would back a significant transformation of the business, particularly in developing Altea, and had the ability to execute an industry consolidation strategy. Cinven put forward an ownership solution that met all parties’ requirements and acquired the company in 2005. Since then, Cinven has worked with the company’s management team to improve the GDS business, attract more airlines to the Altea IT outsourcing business and reduce operational costs.

< back to Our investments