Direct Travel Announces Acquisition of Creative Group, Inc.

DENVER. April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Travel, one of the nation's leading travel management companies, today announced that it has acquired meeting and incentive management powerhouse Creative Group, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois and Appleton. Wisconsin.

In keeping with their business strategy and operational plan to expand through acquisition and organic growth, this move marks Direct Travel's eighth acquisition in the past year. Founded in 1970, Creative Group is one of the industry's largest and most influential performance management companies specializing in meetings and events, group incentive travel and individual recognition solutions.

With sales volume totaling $126 million. Creative Group is ranked in the top 10 meeting and incentive companies in the US, and in the CMI 25; MeetingsNet's 25 largest and most influential meeting and incentive companies. Recognized for numerous awards throughout the industry, Creative Group has earned a reputation for exceptional customer service across the nation, and enjoys client relationships that span 30+ years.

Ron Officer. CEO of Creative Group comments, "This strategic partnership allows tremendous growth for our company, and allows us to continue operating as an individual entity, while further increasing the already significant buying power we offer our clients."

Janet Traphagen. President of Creative Group adds, "For our clients, becoming part of Direct Travel reinforces our unrelenting commitment to quality, growth, exceptional service and integrity that has characterized our company and employees for over 40 years."

"The acquisition of Creative Group is an impressive addition to our organization, and significantly strengthens our presence in the M I niche market, supports our growth strategy, and provides further opportunity for the investment in strategic business practices across our enterprise," said Ed Adams. CEO of Direct Travel.

John Coffman. Direct Travel CFO comments, "We were drawn to Creative Group due to their position as an industry leader, their strong value proposition and impeccable reputation that characterizes their company today," Coffman adds, "This move is a mutual win for both companies."

About Creative Group

Creative Group, Inc. is a full-service performance improvement company focused on meeting and event management, group incentive travel and individual recognition solutions. The company's offerings comprise performance strategies, including employee recognition, sales incentives and customer loyalty; travel buying and procurement; event branding and marketing; meeting logistics and program execution; development of success metrics and strategic meetings management strategies; and product launches. Employing nearly 150, Creative Group is headquartered in in Appleton, Wisconsin. with offices in Chicago. Detroit and Los Angeles.

About Direct Travel, Inc.

Direct Travel, Inc. is a privately held corporation established in 2011 with the goal to create a best-in-class TMC through acquisition and organic growth. Direct Travel has been providing travel management services for over 40 years; by working with clients to develop highly customized travel programs. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative solutions, Direct Travel helps clients derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, internet-based technologies, and significant cost savings. Direct Travel has offices in 34 locations across the US, and is ranked among the top US corporate travel management companies. For more information about Direct Travel, please visit our website at www.dt.com .

Media Contact

Amanda Wesley

Director, Strategic Corporate Communications