American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), a provider of business travel and meetings solutions, announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed its antitrust lawsuit opposing the company’s proposed acquisition of CWT. In a recent court filing, the DOJ stated it was using its “prosecutorial discretion” to request the dismissal of the case, which it initially brought in January 2025. The DOJ had argued the deal could reduce competition, as it involved the acquisition of the third-largest travel management firm by the largest in the sector. Doha Mekki, then Acting Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ’s antitrust division, had stated: “This acquisition is the latest in a series of acquisitions by Amex GBT that will further consolidate an already consolidated market with only a handful of competitive options capable of serving customers with the most need for travel management services.”
With the legal hurdle removed, both companies now expect to close the $570 million acquisition in the third quarter of 2025, subject to remaining conditions. Amex GBT CEO Paul Abbott acknowledged, “We recognize the regulatory approval process has created uncertainty for CWT customers and employees. We're excited to close the transaction and welcome them to Amex GBT.” CWT CEO Patrick Andersen added, “Together we can provide a tech-enabled future for business travel, where people and technology combine to deliver an exceptional customer experience.” The deal is projected to generate approximately $850 million in revenue and give CWT’s 4,000 customers access to Amex GBT’s platform.
