HNA Tourism Group Acquires Carlson Hotels

On April 28th, 2016 (Beijing Time) – HNA Tourism Group Co., Ltd. (“HNA Tourism Group”), a division of HNA Group Co., Ltd., and Carlson Hospitality Group, Inc. announced they have entered an agreement, for the acquisition of Carlson Hotels, Inc.(“Carlson Hotels”). Under terms of the agreement, HNA Tourism Group will acquire all of Carlson Hotels, including its approximately 51.3 percent majority stake in Rezidor Hotel Group AB (publ).

Carlson Hotels own the Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu®, Radisson®, Radisson RED, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson, Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM brands and the Club CarlsonSM global hotel rewards program. The combination of HNA Tourism Group and Carlson Hotels will bring robust presence in international hospitality, with increased ability to accelerate growth, expand key brands, and strengthen its best-in-class hospitality experience for its guests. The headquarter of Carlson Hotels will remain in Minnetonka, Minn.

“Carlson Hotels own a powerful set of global brands and this historic agreement provides tremendous opportunities for growth,” said David P. Berg, Carlson Hospitality Group chief executive officer. “We look forward to working within HNA Tourism Group, a greatly respected global enterprise, in what will be an exciting new chapter in the history of Carlson Hotels. As part of HNA Tourism Group, Carlson Hotels will have an opportunity to advance our commitment to providing guests with hospitality world-wide,” added Mr. Berg.

“We have great respect for the Carlson family and a deep appreciation for its history and special culture,” said Bai Haibo, HNA Tourism Group’s Board Member and HNA Hospitality Group’s Chairman and CEO. “Carlson Hotels’ global success and strong, sustainable growth potential is a testament to their world-class brands, continuous innovation, excellent management, and unique employee-focused culture, all of which we will build upon as part of this combination to establish our presence in the U.S. market and expand our footprint in hospitality internationally. We look forward to working together with their management team, employees, franchisee partners, suppliers and customers to accelerate growth by investing substantially in the business.”

ABOUT CARLSON HOTELS, INC.

Carlson Hotels is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups and includes 1,400 hotels in operation and under development with more than 220,000 rooms and a footprint spanning 115 countries and territories. The Carlson Hotels portfolio includes a powerful set of global brands: Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu®, Radisson®, Radisson RED, Park Plaza®; Park Inn® by Radisson, Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM and Club CarlsonSM, the global hotel rewards program. Carlson Hotels holds 51.3 percent ownership stake in The Rezidor Hotel Group, based in Brussels, who is the company’s master licensee for its brands in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Carlson Hotels and its brands employ 90,000 people worldwide.

ABOUT HNA Tourism Group Co. Ltd.

HNA Tourism Group Co., Ltd. is a global integrated tourism conglomerate engaged in aviation, hospitality, tourism, finance and online services. Founded in Beijing in March 2007, the company owns more than 20 subsidiaries including Capital Airlines, Deer Jet, Tangla Hotels and Resorts, Caissa Touristic, etc. The company is also a majority investor in global travel and hospitality brands such as NH Hotels, Red Lion Hotels, PVCP Group, etc. HNA Tourism Group has been recognized for its commitment to corporate social responsibility and for its contributions towards improving global connectivity.

Photo Credit: HNA Tourism Group