Questions over HNA ownership: HNA The Swiss Takeover Board has asked China’s HNA Group to clarify its ownership structure by early next month given apparent changes since its US$1.5 billion takeover last year of Swiss aviation services company Gategroup. HNA has until Oct. 3 to clear up the apparent discrepancies. Privately owned HNA in July shook up its shareholding structure with a new, charitable foundation, part of efforts to quell long-standing concerns over its ownership.
Caribbean Tourism, updated hurricane statement: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is backing calls by Caribbean leaders for the international community to keep the devastating impact of climate change on the global development agenda.
“Together with CHTA’s Director General and CEO Frank Comito, CHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy expressed continued sympathy for the hardship following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and urged everyone in the projected path of Maria to take serious precautions. The tourism officials want to see a united front to bring immediate aid, calling on regional organizations, governments, relief organizations and multilateral organizations to pursue a more coordinated effort in responding to the needs of the region’s people following these devastating weather events.”
Lemon Tree Hotels files for IPO: New Delhi-headquartered Lemon Tree Hotels, which counts private equity giant Warburg Pincus among its backers, filed with the Securities and Exchange Board of India for an initial public offering. The public issue comprises an entirely secondary market sale by the promoter and promoter group, besides Warburg Pincus selling half its stake in the mid-sized hotel chain. The issue will see a sale of 195.79 million shares, resulting in a 24.9% stake dilution on a post-issue basis.
Chatham acquisition: Chatham Lodging Trust acquired the 131-room Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown in New Hampshire for US$43.5 million, or approximately US$332,000 per room. First opened in 2006, the hotel was fully renovated within the past two years.
Two Roads, Baltimore: Two Roads Hospitality announced a new Joie de Vivre property, Revival at Mount Vernon Place, set to open in early 2018 in Baltimore. The 107-room, 14-story hotel will be developed by Denver-based real estate company NuovoRE.
Tencent ads: Tencent launched of a new suite of advertising resources that will allow U.S. marketers to directly engage Chinese consumers on the company’s platforms both in China and while they travel abroad, including on the messaging app, WeChat.