Oakwood Worldwide® Signs First Oakwood Brand Franchisee

Oakwood Worldwide, the global leader in corporate housing and serviced apartments, recently expanded its relationship with Mainsail Lodging and Development by signing the company as its first Oakwood^® brand franchisee. Mainsail, based in Tampa, Fla., will exclusively manage the Florida market for Oakwood Worldwide under both its ExecuStay^® and Oakwoodbrands, helping the company expand its property offerings to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers.

Oakwood Worldwide chose to broaden its partnership with Mainsail, a current ExecuStay franchisee, because the company's commitment to excellence closely aligns with Oakwood Worldwide's dedication to maintaining consistent high quality standards for accommodations and services. Additionally, Mainsail has a strong reputation as a corporate housing provider inFlorida, with extensive knowledge and expertise in local markets throughoutFlorida. Mainsail also franchises the ExecuStay brand in a number of other markets, includingGeorgia,South Carolina,North CarolinaandAlabama.

"To remain competitive, we must continue to expand our footprint and offer our customers a wide array of corporate housing options," saidRic Villarreal, president of Oakwood Worldwide. "Working with Mainsail has expanded our market knowledge inFloridaallowing us to offer customers the benefit of our local expertise. We are completely confident they will be successful operating and growing the business in theFloridamarket."

Oakwood Worldwide's relationships with franchisees and suppliers are an important part of the company's strategy to expand in key markets, enabling Oakwood Worldwide to offer more corporate and serviced apartment options inthe United States, as well as in established and emerging markets around the globe.

"ExecuStay and Oakwood are the corporate housing industry's leading brands and a significant part of our growing lodging portfolio," saidJana Collier, managing partner for Mainsail Housing. "This franchise agreement is exciting because it strengthens our position in the marketplace and allows us to further our relationship with the innovative team at Oakwood Worldwide."

About Mainsail

Based in Tampa, Fla., Mainsail specializes in hotel, apartment and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. The company was founded in 1998 and has built a diverse portfolio including: the Mainsail Suites Hotel and Conference Center; Mainsail Beach Inn on Anna Maria Island; Mainsail South Residences; Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, part of Marriott International's Autograph Collection^®; and the Epicurean, a luxury hotel opening in late 2013.

For more information, please visit http://mainsailhotels.com/.