Accor Sells its 52.6% Stake in Formula 1 Hotels in South Africa
Paris - December 9, 2011 - Accor, the leading hotel operator in Africa with 26,000 rooms, announces the sale of its 52.6% stake in “Hotel Formula 1” to its historical South-African partner, Southern Sun Hotels, a subsidiary of the Tsogo Sun group.
Hotel Formula 1 was formed in 1991, as a joint venture between Accor and Southern Sun. The Company owns 20 hotels totaling 1,474 rooms, in addition to managing 3 hotels already owned by Southern Sun across South Africa. All 23 hotels will now operate as franchised units, under the Formula 1 brand.
The disposal price of €28m comprises €25m attributable to Accor's stake in Hotel Formula 1 and a €3m refund of a loan made by Accor to the Company. The transaction is subject to the approval of local Competition Authorities.
Part of the Group Asset Management strategy that aims to reduce the adjusted net debt by €2.2 billion by 2015, this transaction confirms the Group's ability to continue to actively manage its assets in order to focus on its core business as a hotel operator.
About Accor
Accor, the world's leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 90 countries with 4,200 hotels and more than 500,000 rooms. Accor's broad portfolio of hotel brands - Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, all seasons/ibis styles, Etap Hotel/ibis budget, hotelF1 and Motel 6 - provide an extensive offer from luxury to budget. With 145,000 employees worldwide, the Group offers to its clients and partners nearly 45 years of know-how and expertise.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
