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More than 20 UK hotels to assume Mercure branding
French hotel giant Accor has signed a deal to expand its midscale Mercure brand across 23 hotels in the UK.
The 20 year management contract with private equity firm Moorfield Real Estate Fund covers 2,236 rooms.
The 23 hotels are described as being well located in most of the UK regions and include the Castle Hotel, Windsor; Queen’s Hotel, Cheltenham; St Paul’s Hotel, Sheffield and Shakespeare Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Combined 2006 revenue for the hotels is estimated at £84 million.
The deal will bring the Mercure chain up to 25 hotels in the UK, adding to properties in London Bankside and Bristol.
Additionally, Accor has 95 hotels in the UK under the Sofitel (2), Novotel (30), Ibis (47), Etap (6) and Formule 1 (10) brands.
The group plans to open two more Sofitels, two Novotels, 17 Etaps and 10 Ibis hotels in the UK by 2009, bringing the total to 128.
Moorfield group chief executive Marc Gilbard said: “We are delighted to have formed this partnership with Accor and we look forward to optimising the operational and asset potential of these hotels together.”
Accor chief executive officer Gilles Pelisson said: “As a springboard for Mercure’s development in the UK, the 23 new hotels will support the chain’s commitment to delivering comfortable lodging, a warm welcome, and the outstanding hospitality that has made the brand’s reputation in its 49 host countries.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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