MINNEAPOLIS, Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced that the company has acquired full ownership of the Park Inn and Park Plaza hotel brands from its joint venture partner, Olympus Hospitality Group. The acquisition is strategically significant in consolidating Carlson's global ownership of the Park brands and it is expected to bring a new era of brand clarity and growth to Park Plaza and Park Inn hotels. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"This important acquisition clarifies the future of the Park Plaza and Park Inn brands as key members of the Carlson Hotels' portfolio," said Jay Witzel, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Hotels Worldwide. "Since we began developing and marketing Park Plaza and Park Inn three years ago, we have made great strides in separating the two brands into their respective market segments while aligning and expanding each brand globally. This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to the future of the Park brands and allows us to focus on accelerated growth and even more global consistency to ensure guest experiences meet or exceed expectations at Park Plaza and Park Inn locations."

Today there are 34 Park Plaza hotels operating in 13 countries and 68 Park Inn hotels in six countries. Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, positioned in the mid-scale segment of the full-service hotel category, is known for its great value and customer-focused service culture; while Park Inn hotels is a unique emerging hotel brand offering a relaxed environment in the economy category and is poised for aggressive global growth.

In a separate transaction, Carlson acquired the rights to the Park Plaza and Park Inn brands in the Asia Pacific region of the world from an Asian company called Park Plaza Kemayan. This allows for exciting new growth opportunities according to Paul Kirwin, president and managing director of Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific.

"Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific is a growth-oriented company that is aggressively pursuing the expansion of its brands which now includes five different product categories," said Kirwin. "The expanded portfolio allows for more development opportunities and further aligns our company with our global portfolio of brands."

With this acquisition, Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific includes 49 hotel locations in 11 countries. Park Plaza Hotels Europe owns, operates and franchises Park Plaza hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Rezidor SAS is the master franchisor for Park Inn hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Reservations for Park Plaza hotels can be made through the web site at , through your travel consultant or by calling the toll-free reservation line in North America at: 800-814-7000. Reservations for Park Inn(R) hotels can be made through the web site at www.parkinn.com/ , through your travel consultant or by calling the toll-free reservation line in North America at: 800-670-7275.

Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, includes five hotel brands totaling 885 hotels in 67 countries. Hotel brands include: Regent International Hotels, one of the most respected brands in the luxury segment of the lodging industry; Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R), one of the world's leading upscale hotel companies with more than 450 locations in 61 countries; Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, positioned in the mid-scale segment of the full-service hotel category, has 35 hotels globally and is known for its great value and customer-focused service culture; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(R), one of the fastest growing, mid- tier lodging chains with over 324 locations offering excellent value with upgraded services and amenities; and Park Inn(R), with 68 hotels worldwide, is a unique emerging hotel brand offering a relaxed environment in the economy category.

Carlson Hospitality Worldwide is a global leader in hospitality services, encompassing more than 1,690 hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise ship operations in 82 countries. Carlson Hospitality Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson Companies, Inc., a global leader in providing corporate solutions and consumer services in the marketing, travel and hospitality industries. Other names among the Carlson family of brands and services are: Carlson Marketing Group, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Results Travel, Cruise Holidays, T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix restaurants. The company has been recognized by both Fortune and Working Mother magazines as one of the "100 best places to work for in America," Carlson Companies' corporate headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Kristi Arndt
+763-212-5626
Radisson Hotel Group