Avendra completes sale to Aramark: Avendra has completed its sale to Aramark for US$1,350 million. After redemption of management participation rights, transaction costs, and repayment of Avendra’s outstanding debt, the company’s founding shareholders – Marriott, Hyatt, Accor, ClubCorp and IHG – received US$1,201 million in cash proceeds from the transaction. Marriott received US$659 million for its 55% interest in Avendra. In addition, in conjunction with the sale of Avendra, Marriott has entered into a 5-year procurement service agreement with Aramark on behalf of its managed hotel system in the Americas.
Thomas fire rages on: The Thomas fire in Southern California almost doubled in size over the weekend and has now spurred the evacuations of the Four Seasons Resort Biltmore Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch and Belmond El Encanto. El Encanto doesn’t plan to accept new reservations until Wednesday, but continues to house guests who are already there. Neither the Four Seasons nor San Ysidro Ranch set a timetable for reopening.
New Mövenpick prez: Hotels & Resorts appointed Mark Willis as president – Asia as it looks to target that region. He comes on board with two decades of management, operations and business development experience in the global hospitality sector, most recently as senior area vice president Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
Six Senses Brazil: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas will develop the Six Senses Formosa Bay in Brazil. Located at Baia Formosa in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, it is the most eastern territory of Brazil and the country’s closest point to Europe. The site, a part of the Eco Estrela Project, features almost 4.5 miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront and covers an area of 6,350 acres.
Mandarin promotes Mares: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group promoted Christoph Mares to chief operating officer, responsible for global hotel operations as well as overseeing the operational functions of food and beverage, rooms and quality, as well as spa and wellness. Mares will be based at the group’s Hong Kong corporate office, moving from his current position in London as executive vice president, operations director, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India.
IHG partnership: HK CTS Hotels Co., Ltd. and Kew Green Hotels have signed a strategic partnership with IHG to manage hotels in mainland China. The deal will see Kew Green Hotels manage the existing 466-room Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido from early 2018 and convert the 433-room Metropark Beijing Lido into a Holiday Inn during 2018. The partnership will enable Kew Green Hotels and HKCTS to work with other owners in mainland China seeking to franchise brands from IHG.
Red in Peru: Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group signed a new Radisson Red in Miraflores, Peru. The new-build, 100-room hotel is expected to open in mid-2019.