Groundbreaking alliance between Accor and Huazhu

Accor (CAC 40 – AC.FR) and Huazhu Hotels Group (also known as China Lodging Group – Nasdaq: HTHT) today sealed an extensive and long-term alliance to create the most prominent and diversified hotel company in China, with more than 2,000 hotels and the strongest pipeline in the country.

“This ground-breaking collaboration will leverage the strengths of Accor’s global brands with a leading player in Chinese hospitality,” said Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor. “Joining Huazhu’s unparalleled local expertise with our brands will create a hospitality powerhouse which will deliver unprecedented value to both groups and to our customers.”

Huazhu founder, Chairman and CEO, Ji Qi, said the collaboration was an unequivalent alliance in the global hospitality industry. “With an extensive brand portfolio, and strong distribution and loyalty platforms, Accor and Huazhu share a lot of common values. By combining forces we can facilitate growth and attract more customers to the expanded network,” said Ji Qi.