Choice Hotels International, Inc.
As a result of the agreement, Choice will directly operate the franchise in the United Kingdom now consisting of 78 properties from the headquarters in London. This transaction follows Choice's fourth quarter 2006 acquisition of the franchising operations for the European countries of Austria, Belgium, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.
"The acquisition of the United Kingdom franchising operation is another element of our strategy to maximize our growth opportunities across Europe," said Mark Pearce, vice president, international operations, Choice Hotels International. "Choice is one of Europe's leading lodging companies, with over 500 hotels throughout the continent, and in the past year, we have focused our efforts on developing and implementing a number of pan-European marketing programs. The United Kingdom market will play a key role in our efforts to enhance brand awareness across the continent while providing our franchisees the centralized support and services that will help them increase property-level performance and profitability."
This acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. For 2008, incremental revenues expected as a result of transitioning from a master franchising to direct franchising business model will be substantially offset by direct franchising costs associated with the acquired businesses. In addition, these acquisitions do not result in incremental international franchise system units or rooms on-line.
About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International franchises more than 5,500 hotels, representing more than 450,000 rooms, in the United States and 37 countries and territories. As of September 30, 2007, 872 hotels are under development in the United States, representing 68,853 rooms, and an additional 82 hotels, representing 7,970 rooms, are under development in more than 20 countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide.
Additional corporate information may be found on Choice Hotels Web site, which may be accessed at http://www.choicehotels.com/.
Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: david_peikin@choicehotels.com
SOURCE: Choice Hotels International, Inc.
CONTACT: David White, Chief Financial Officer, +1-301-592-5117, or David
Peikin, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, +1-301-592-6361, both of
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Web site: http://www.choicehotels.com/
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