VIPdesk Merges With International SOS

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- International SOS, the world's leading integrated medical and security assistance and concierge services company, and VIPdesk, the North American provider of industry-leading concierge services, customer care and loyalty programs, announced today the joining of forces to bring together the first truly integrated, global concierge and customer care service delivery platform. The combined entity will begin operating the first quarter of this year, the companies said.

The joint resources of International SOS and VIPdesk will be comprised of over 1,200 professionals including a virtual network of concierge and customer care specialists, and 14 global service delivery centers servicing over 1,000 corporate clients.

The combined entity will deliver a diverse range of high-end concierge and customer care services to the customers of clients in the financial, automotive, travel, retail and insurance-related industries.

"International SOS has more than 25 years of experience delivering premium concierge services in Asia-Pacific, Africa and Russia. VIPdesk's dominant position in the North American marketplace and their innovative technology and culturally-relevant approach to providing concierge services make for a very compelling combination and one that we believe will deliver tremendous value to clients all over the world," said Arnaud Vaissie, Chairman and CEO, International SOS.

Mary Naylor, CEO of VIPdesk shares, "We are extremely excited to partner with International SOS. Over the past 13 years, VIPdesk has established itself as the industry leader for concierge services in North America. We are always looking for new ways to expand the scope and scale of our capabilities to benefit our clients and the worldwide expertise and presence of International SOS will allow us to greatly enhance the ability to provide global services to our clients."  

International SOS' global footprint in over 70 countries in conjunction with VIPdesk's record of innovation in technology and customer care will extensively enhance the combined capabilities of the two companies, while maintaining the same client-centric focus that both are known for.

Under the terms of the deal, VIPdesk will continue to operate as the US-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of International SOS under the leadership of its founders and management.

About International SOS

International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com) is the world's leading integrated medical and security assistance, and concierge services company. Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS provides integrated medical, clinical, security and customer care solutions to organizations with international operations. Services include planning and preventative programs, in-country expertise and emergency response. A global team of over 7,000 employees led by 970 full-time physicians, 200 security specialists and 260 concierge professionals provides health, security and concierge support to enable its members to operate wherever they work or travel. Members include 69 percent of the Fortune Global 500 companies.

About VIPdesk

Global industry leaders trust VIPdesk to enhance their brands through our customer care and loyalty programs. Serving as a seamless extension of their brands, our innovative Brand Experience Management Solutions deliver memorable customer experiences, business insights and actionable intelligence that generate customer advocacy and drive business growth.  VIPdesk's full suite of Brand Experience Management solutions includes Concierge Services, Customer Care Services, Social Media Management, Experiential Programs, IVR Services and Voice of the Customer Surveying & Analytics.  To find out more about VIPdesk, visit www.vipdesk.com.

SOURCE International SOS