In one of the biggest developments in the global business travel sector, Long Lake Management has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately USD 6.3 billion. The landmark acquisition is expected to reshape the future of corporate travel by combining AI-driven innovation with one of the world’s largest business travel management platforms.
Under the agreement, Amex GBT shareholders will receive USD 9.50 per share in cash, representing a premium of over 60% compared to the company’s closing stock price on May 1, 2026. The transaction has received unanimous approval from the Amex GBT Board following recommendations from an independent Special Committee. Major shareholders including American Express, Expedia Group, Qatar Investment Authority, and BlackRock, collectively representing nearly 69% of shares, have already agreed to support the deal.
The acquisition is backed by investors including General Catalyst and Alpha Wave, while financing support is being provided by JPMorgan, Bank of America, Citi, and MUFG. The American Express brand licensing agreement will continue post-acquisition, ensuring operational continuity for customers and partners worldwide.
Founded as a leading travel, expense, and meetings & events management platform, Amex GBT operates across more than 140 countries and serves multinational corporations globally. The acquisition reflects Long Lake’s strategic vision to integrate applied artificial intelligence into corporate travel ecosystems, enabling faster bookings, proactive disruption management, seamless travel administration, and enhanced traveller experiences.
Paul Abbott, CEO of Amex GBT, described the agreement as a transformational milestone for the company, while Long Lake CEO Alex Taubman highlighted that the future of business travel will be defined by AI working seamlessly alongside human expertise.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. Once completed, Amex GBT will transition into a privately held company, marking a significant shift in the global travel management landscape.
