Bates USA Satisfies Wanderlust

Criterion Becomes Part Of Travel Network
ATLANTA–The Criterion Group here, a $15 million agency specializing in travel and tourism clients, has been acquired by Bates USA.
Bill MacGregor, president and chief executive officer of Criterion, will serve as president of what will now be called Bates Travel & Tourism. He will report to Dan Roman, chairman of Bates USA Midwest in Indianapolis. That city is also the headquarters location of Bates Travel & Tourism.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
MacGregor was introduced to Bates, he said, when his agency landed the Indianapolis-based Resorts Condominium International account late last year. The client, desiring international capabilities, engineered a meeting of the two shops.
“We felt we would be able to service the RCI business to my satisfaction and enhance [Bates’] focus in the travel and tourism business,” MacGregor said.
MacGregor has 16 years experience in the category, having started his shop in 1982 specifically to work in the travel and tourism fields. In addition to RCI, Criterion handles Kosmas Group International, Shell Vacations, ITT Sheraton and the Disney Vacation Club, among others.
“Bill MacGregor and his group have an incredible track record working with internationally based tourist boards, tour operators, cruise lines, sporting goods manufacturers, and major hotels and resort brands,” said Roman.
Though both agencies are located in the same Atlanta office complex, the Criterion staffers will move into the Bates facility.