Carlson Hospitality Sell Out to Chinese Group

The China syndrome is continuing to make hotel headlines on news that the Carlson Hospitality Group has entered into a sales agreement with the Chinese conglomerate HNA.

Carlson’s brand stable includes Radisson, Park Plaza and Inns and Country Inns and Suites.

While no details of the deal are available as Carlson is a privately held company, industry estimates have topped the USD2 billion level.

The transaction comes at time when ACCOR is in the process of finalizing the Fairmont Raffles transaction and the Marriott Starwood (Marwood) marriage is in the process of completing.

Two hotel groups that are now in the spotlight are Hyatt and IHG in what is becoming a race to eat or be eaten. Meanwhile industry speculation remains high on a possible Kempinski move in the very near future.