Published: March 12, 2010
Ctrip Announces Signing of Definitive Agreements for Acquiring Minority Stakes in Two Hotel Operating Companies
SHANGHAI , March 12 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Ctrip.com International, Ltd.
(Nasdaq: CTRP) ("Ctrip"), a leading travel service provider for hotel
accommodations, airline tickets and packaged tours in China , announced today
that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire minority stakes in
two hotel operating companies. Through two separate transactions, Ctrip will
acquire minority stakes in each of China Lodging Group, Limited and
BTG-Jianguo Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd.
Investment inChina Lodging Group, Limited
Today, Ctrip entered into definitive agreements with China Lodging Group,
or China Lodging, Limited and certain shareholders of China Lodging, pursuant
to which, Ctrip will subscribe for ordinary shares to be issued by China
Lodging and purchase ordinary shares from certain existing shareholders of
China Lodging in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. The aggregate number of ordinary shares that Ctrip will purchase
from China Lodging and the selling shareholders pursuant to the agreements
will be equal to approximately 8% of China Lodging's total ordinary shares
outstanding immediately after the closing of this investment, which is
expected to take place concurrently with China Lodging's initial public
offering. Ctrip will pay the purchase consideration in cash at a price equal
to the initial public offering price of China Lodging's ordinary shares.
China Lodging operates a leading economy hotel chain inChina. It offers
three hotel products: HanTing Express Hotel, HanTing Seasons Hotel and HanTing
Hi Inn. China Lodging has filed a registration statement with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with an initial public
offering with an estimated price range of $10.25 to $12.25 per American
Depositary Share (or $2.5625 to $3.0625 per ordinary share).
Investment in BTG-Jianguo Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd.
BTG-Jianguo Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd., or BTG-Jianguo, is a hotel
management company based inChina. BTG-Jianguo manages over 60 hotels
throughoutChina, with a focus on mid-to-high end markets.
In March 2010, Ctrip entered into an agreement with Hongkong Polaris
Hotels Limited, or Polaris, whereby Ctrip has agreed to purchase from Polaris
a 15% equity interest in BTG-Jianguo with an option to acquire another 10%
within one year after the closing. The closing of this transaction is subject
to receipt of necessary governmental approval and other customary closing
conditions.
Min Fan, CEO of Ctrip, said, "Both China Lodging and BTG-Jianguo are
leadingChina-based hotel management companies. Our investment inChina
Lodging and BTG-Jianguo is part of our long-term strategy to enhance our
partnership with hotel groups in order to better service our customers."
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements
are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be
identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate,"
"future," "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "is/are likely to,"
"confident" or other similar statements. A number of important factors could
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any
forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are
not limited to, the slow-down of economic growth inChina and the global
economic downturn, general declines or disruptions in the travel industry,
volatility in the trading price of Ctrip's ADSs, Ctrip's reliance on its
relationships with travel suppliers and strategic alliances, failure to
further increase Ctrip's brand recognition to obtain new business partners and
consumers, failure to compete against new and existing competitors, failure to
successfully manage current growth and potential future growth, risks
associated with any strategic investments or acquisitions, seasonality in the
travel industry inChina,Hong Kong,Macau orTaiwan, damage to or failure of
Ctrip's infrastructure and technology, loss of services of Ctrip's key
executives, inflation inChina and in other countries, risks and uncertainties
associated with PRC laws and regulations with respect to the ownership
structure of Ctrip's affiliated Chinese entities and the contractual
arrangements among Ctrip, its affiliated Chinese entities and their
shareholders, and other risks outlined in Ctrip's filings with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F
and other filings. All information provided in this press release is as of the
date the issuance, and Ctrip does not undertake any obligation to update any
forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
About Ctrip.com International, Ltd.
Ctrip.com International, Ltd. is a leading travel service provider for
hotel accommodations, airline tickets and packaged tours inChina. Ctrip
aggregates information on hotels and flights and enables customers to make
informed and cost-effective hotel and flight bookings. Ctrip also sells
packaged tours that include transportation and accommodation, as well as
guided tours in some instances. Ctrip targets primarily business and leisure
travelers inChina. Since its inception in 1999, Ctrip has experienced
substantial growth and become one of the best-known travel brands inChina.
For more information, please contact:
June Zhu
Ctrip.com International, Ltd.
Tel: +86-21-3406-4880 x12258
Email: jun_zhu@ctrip.com
Lin Zhang
Ctrip.com International, Ltd.
Tel: +86-21-3406-4880 x12920
Email: z_lin@ctrip.com
SOURCE Ctrip.com International, Ltd.
Copyright © 2012, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2012, NewsBlaze,
Daily News