It's 'business as usual' at Hilton

The proposed $26 billion acquisition of Hilton Hotels Corporation by US firm The Blackstone Group, is unlikely to have any immediate impact on hotel group's Middle East strategy.

Hilton Hotels' president for Middle East & Africa, Jean-Paul Herzog, said it was "business as usual" and that the media would be informed as progress was made.

"The transaction is subject to approval by our shareholders as well as customary closing conditions - this is expected by end of this year," he said.

"Blackstone are making a strategic investment and will be seeking to continue to grow the business."

Blackstone's all-cash transaction will bring together Hilton's large family of brands, which include Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and The Waldorf Astoria, together accounting for more than 2,800 hotels in 76 countries, and Blackstone's extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts.

The company currently owns more than 100,000 hotel rooms in the US and Europe, ranging from limited service properties such as La Quinta Inns and Suites to LXR Luxury Resorts and Hotels.

Blackstone said it intended to invest in Hilton properties and brands globally to "enhance and grow the business for the benefit of owners, franchisees and customers."

At present, Hilton Hotels plans to add another 20 properties to its Middle East portfolio over the next five years, with 11 properties already under development.

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