'No rush' but Hilton Worldwide could be floated

Hilton Worldwide chief executive Chris Nassetta has responded to reports claiming private equity company Blackstone is preparing to float the company, by saying it is something being considered “at some point” but “we’re not in a rush”.

He told Reuters that the hotel operator would concentrate for now on expanding in fast-growing markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

The equity firm bought Hilton for US $26 billion in 2007 and Nassetta added: "An IPO is ultimately something that is up to our parent Blackstone."

While it has been reported there is no timetable set for a potential public offering of Hilton Worldwide, it is understood that Blackstone has accountants currently bringing the company up to international financial reporting standards.

It is also believed that Blackstone wants to sell the company as a complete unit, rather than breaking it up into smaller pieces.