SILVER SPRING, MD— Choice Hotels International Inc. acquired the remaining 45% stake in Flag Choice Hotels of Melbourne, Australia. A company spokesman said the Flag franchise system is worth about $3.5 million. Choice last July took a 55% stake in its Australian franchise partner, and had an option to buy the remainder within five years. “Choice has significantly accelerated the growth of Choice brands in Australia by converting many high quality Flag brand properties to the Clarion, Quality and Comfort brands,” said Bruce Haase, Choices senior vice president, international division. Choice has 409 hotels in the Asia Pacific region, with 41 under development, representing 26,579 rooms. Most of these are in Australia and New Zealand. The company is looking to become a dominant player in the mid-market industry in Australia and New Zealand, and will look at that as a base for the Pacific, said Haase. Haase said the new hotels, many of which are in rural locations and still carry the Flag brand, will carry Choices Clarion, Comfort and Quality brands. Choice plans to expand in Australia and New Zealand in urban and resort locations, he said.
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