FCm Travel Solutions partners Kontik Franstur in Brazil

FCm Travel Solutions has signed a new partnership agreement with one of the longest-standing and most prestigious corporate travel specialists in Brazil - Kontik Franstur.

Formed in 1945, Kontik Franstur is a family-owned company that employs approximately 300 people. It operates business travel centres in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, and in 2007 generated a turnover of more than US$120 million.

Headquartered in Sao Paulo, it services some of the best-known companies in Brazil, including Petrobras (Brazil's largest corporation), Bradesco Bank (Brazil's largest private bank), Unibanco, Odebrecht Construction and AVON.

The company has achieved a 95% client retention rate, one of the highest in the country, for the past six years. It is also a major partner and advisor to major travel industry associations including TMC Brazil, ABAV and Embratur.

FCm Travel Solutions' global executive general manager, Anthony Grigson, said FCm selected Kontik due to the high quality of its senior management and staff, and the company's excellent business systems.

"Kontik's modern and customer centric approach has earned them strong recognition within the industry," he said. "Their operating systems are widely recognised as some of the best in this unique market, where normal GDS reservation systems do not have the same level of influence as in most other countries.

"Kontik focuses on tailored travel management solutions to corporations through the adoption of the latest technologies, constant  productivity improvements and customised services. This provides an ideal synergy with the culture and direction of FCm Travel Solutions.

"Given Brazil is the largest and fastest growing economy in Latin America, we are very pleased to have secured a strong partner who will also be a shareholder in our regional operating company."

Kontik president, Eduardo Vasconcellos, said he expected the business to achieve turnover growth of 30% in 2008.

"I believe we will grow our turnover as a result of our partnership with FCm and our ability to draw on their network to provide our local clients with global-scale services. We are also looking forward to working with other partners in FCm's Latin American network, to expand our regional business," he said.

As part of the FCm network, Kontik will offer an extensive range of corporate travel and expense management services including dedicated account management, 24/7 emergency support, travel policy development, management information systems and specialist MICE services.

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