NEW YORK -- Carlson Hotels Worldwide and Rezidor SAS Hospitality
signed a multibrand master licensing agreement that will expand
Carlson's hotel brands within Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Rezidor SAS already operates Carlson's Radisson SAS brand under
a master franchise agreement the two companies signed in 1994.
There currently are 114 Radisson SAS hotels in Europe.
Under the new agreement, Rezidor SAS becomes the master
franchisor in the three regions for three additional Carlson hotel
brands: Park Inn, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Regent
International hotels.
The agreement calls for Rezidor to operate more than 700 hotels
between the three new brands and Radisson SAS during the next 10
years.
"This licensing agreement with Rezidor SAS will fully optimize
the potential for our brands in the Europe, Middle East and Africa
region," said Jay Witzel, president of Carlson Hotels
Worldwide.
"Their extensive market knowledge, record of success and
presence in 38 countries are expected to significantly impact
business generation, customer awareness and loyalty for all our
locations," he said.