Accor boss says acquisition process going smoothly

AccorHotels chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin has told Hotelier that the integration between AccorHotels and FRHI after the acquisition earlier this year has been “smooth”.

He said: “The integration has been smooth and easy because it is extraordinarily complementary to our existing networks. It adds network capacity, it adds to the owner relationship, it adds talent. We are adding distribution capabilities, we are adding loyalty programmes, we are adding presence and market leadership – it’s a win-win scenario between everybody.”

Bazin continued: “The only caveat if there is one: as any sizeable acquisition, you need a lot of listening and respect between people so no one imposes their view on the other.” He has been on the road meeting regional teams across the world to ensure this happens.

“It’s going on plan, on time and on budget, with no resistance factor from anyone,” he added.

Bazin confirmed that the owners have been receptive to the merger, and commented: “First they were a bit surprised. Second, they were questioning Accor’s true strength being economy and mid-scale and the more we have been spending time with them, the more they realise that it may be a different business segment but we end up being the largest hotel operator in the world.”

Read the full interview with Sebastien Bazin in the January issue of Hotelier Middle East.