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TRAVEL giant Cendant has bought wholesaler Gullivers Travel for US $1.1 billion in cash.

The purchase is its third in two months following the £209 million purchase of European online agency Ebookers and US online agency Orbitz for US $1.25 billion.

Gullivers Travel, a wholesaler and package travel provider, was founded in 1975, predominantly for Asian markets into Europe. It also owns worldwide online agency Octopus, which features more than 21,400 properties. The group employs 2,400 people.

Cendant intends to keep Gullivers' "key management" including chairman David Babai.

The US $1.1 billion figure for the deal, expected to be completed next April, could increase depending on Gullivers’ performance for the full financial year.

The funds for the deal come from the $1 billion US initial public offering of Cendant's travel and real estate service firm Wright Express.

Cendant also owns global distribution system supplier Galileo, US online agency Cheaptickets, hotel chain Days Inn and car rental firm Avis.

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