Ask Mr. Foster to Expand Its Network of Affiliates

Ask Mr. Foster, a Van Nuys-based travel agency chain, said it plans to expand its network of affiliated agencies by establishing ties with independent firms in major metropolitan areas that principally serve vacation travelers.

The company two years ago started recruiting affiliates--agencies that work with Ask Mr. Foster and use its name but remain independently owned--under its so-called associates program. The original plan was to sign up agencies in small- and medium-sized markets specializing in business travel, enabling Ask Mr. Foster to provide nationwide service to large corporate customers.

But, under the Metro Associate Program scheduled to start Wednesday, Ask Mr. Foster will begin recruiting agencies in larger markets specializing in vacation travel. The first recruits are expected to come from Los Angeles and Orange counties, followed by Minneapolis and Chicago.

Ask Mr. Foster has 151 affiliates in its 406-agency chain. Overall, sales last year by the affiliates and the company topped $880 million. Ask Mr. Foster says sales should be about $1.5 billion this year.