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ALLIED EUROPE ACQUIRES PRA DESTINATION MANAGEMENT, INC. AND FORMS ALLIED INTERNATIONAL

Acquisition makes Allied International, with PRA Destination Management, one of the largest destination management companies across three continents and eight countries with 26 destination management office locations

SAN DIEGO, California November 27, 2007 - Allied Europe has acquired the leading destination management firm in North America, PRA Destination Management, Inc.  PRA’s 19 franchise offices along with Allied Europe’s and Allied Arabia’s seven offices will form ALLIED INTERNATIONAL, the new parent company of these premier destination management brands, according to Laura Rednour, president of PRA Destination Management, Inc.  This acquisition which falls under the leadership of James W. Hensley, Chief Executive Officer of Allied International, will provide destination management services on three continents and in eight countries from 26 destination management office locations worldwide.

“This news is truly ground-breaking for the DMC industry and our clients alike,” stated Hensley. “The decision to add PRA Destination Management to Allied International was based primarily on the similar business philosophy, shared values and unsurpassed dedication to outstanding service making this new venture extremely beneficial to our existing and future client base. By combining forces, our clients now have global access to consistent service and the shared domestic and international knowledge base of a broad cross section of some of the most highly motivated, creative and seasoned hospitality professionals. The overall goal, with the addition of PRA to our portfolio, is to expand the global reach of our clients throughout the world, while continuing to enhance and further develop the quality of service and support that is part of our existing culture.”

“We are excited about this new phase for the PRA Destination Management brand,” shared Rednour. “More and more clients are reaching out to a DMC partner who can assure quality performance on a global scale with resources to provide; single sourcing, consistency, training, and the ability to help clients manage their DMC spend. With the newly expanded worldwide presence of Allied International, we can better serve our clients, whether they are hosting an event in Las Vegas, Paris or Dubai, with the same first-class service and innovative programs they’ve come to expect from PRA.”After 17 years in the incentive and marketing consulting business in Chicago, Hensley acquired Allied France. Since 1999, Hensley’s business increased ten fold and expanded from one office to seven located in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Monaco and the UAE.
 
In 1981 PRA Destination Management was formed by founder and chairman, Patti Roscoe.  The company’s reputation is that of a leader among destination management companies—a testament to the service, hard work and dedication of the entire PRA team. Roscoe will continue to play an active role within the organization by serving on the Allied International Board of Directors and will remain a shareholder of Allied International, while consulting on business matters for the company.

“My decision to divest myself from the daily business practices of PRA marks the celebration of over 26 years of growing the company to its current success,” remarked Roscoe. “Allied Europe has been our marketing partner for several years. I know first-hand how Jim appreciates the importance of the franchise system and the people who make it a success,” added Roscoe. “As is traditionally the case, the influx of new energy will no doubt accelerate the pace of PRA’s growth and I’m excited to see the next stage of our evolution.”

“Each destination management company will continue to promote its services under its current brand,” added Hensley, “including the 19 PRA offices. The expanded sales force of over 75 individuals greatly enhances the supplier-partner relationship and ability to deliver consistent program elements from location to location for PRA, Allied Europe and Allied Arabia clientele. Look for us to expand franchise operations by 50 percent in three years.”

For more information on the Allied International portfolio of destination management services, please contact Laura Rednour of PRA Destination Management, Inc. at 760.496.0540; email:  lrednour@pra.com or Morgan Hensley of Allied Europe at
(33) 1 4455 0584; email: morgan@allied-europe.com.

Allied Europe (www.allied-europe.com) is the service provider of destination management programs in England, Scotland, France, Spain, Monaco, and Italy.

Allied Arabia (www.allied-arabia.com) is the service provider of destination management programs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman.

PRA Destination Management, Inc. (www.pra.com) is the franchisor of destination management companies throughout North America with 19 franchise offices located in Arizona, Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Orange County, Orlando, Palm Springs, San Antonio, San Diego, San Diego North, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Seattle and Southeast Florida. ­
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