Serko's Strategic Moves: Acquisition of GetThere and Partnership with Sabre

Serko Ltd. (NZX:SKO), a leader in online travel for business, has recently completed the acquisition of GetThere and commenced a strategic partnership with Sabre, a leading software and technology provider in the global travel industry. These moves are set to accelerate innovation in managed travel and strengthen Serko's position in the market.



The acquisition of GetThere, Sabre's corporate online booking tool, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the GetThere team and customers. All team members dedicated to GetThere in India, UK, and Australia have already transitioned to Serko, with US team members set to follow in February. Serko has started expanding the GetThere team and building on the successful development hub in Bengaluru, India, in support of an accelerated investment in product and technology.

Brett Dowling, VP GetThere, commented on the integration: "The GetThere team are thrilled to have joined forces with Serko, and our people are well on the way to a successful post-merger integration. GetThere has a very loyal customer base, and we can’t wait to bring them on the journey of innovation that lies ahead of us in 2025 and beyond."

Darrin Grafton, Serko's CEO, welcomed the closure of the deal, adding: "We see a significant opportunity for great technology to help companies optimize their travel programs, and deliver an exceptional user experience for their travel bookers and travelers. To achieve this, we are investing US$100 million over the next three years to advance our platform technology to build the travel platform of the future. In time, this platform will power all of Serko’s products, including GetThere, Zeno, and Booking.com for Business with data and AI built in to help you take advantage of emerging technology capabilities."



The long-term partnership with Sabre is designed to accelerate innovation in managed travel through a program of co-development and investment, as well as co-selling and marketing of Serko’s solutions by Sabre’s North American sales teams. This collaboration will support joint strategic development, investment, and commercial plans, ultimately empowering and delivering greater value to travel management companies (TMCs), corporate travel buyers, and business travelers.

By entering this partnership, Serko gains access to Sabre's extensive sales network in North America, which will help expand its reach and increase sales of its solutions. Additionally, Serko will have access to Sabre's advanced technology and platform expertise, enabling it to develop new products and features that minimize friction for travelers and increase efficiency for TMCs and corporations.

In conclusion, Serko's acquisition of GetThere and partnership with Sabre are strategic moves that will significantly enhance its platform, expand its customer base, and drive innovation in the corporate travel management segment. By leveraging the expertise and technology of both companies, Serko is well-positioned to optimize travel programs and deliver an exceptional user experience for its customers.