HotelsMag September 2015 | Page 14

S wiSS core

Global Update

to the

the family behind hostmark
14
dalata ’ s new corporate brand
14
f & b that ’ s certified sustainable 16
Updates
ihG tests ibeacon and more
16
VieVaGe Gains momentum
18
the disruptors 20
While sales rumors heat up , Mövenpick markets its heritage and value proposition to grow its portfolio .

The merger and acquisition rumor mill is as hot as a firecracker these days with the likes of Starwood , IHG , FHRI and others being poked , prodded and speculated about just about every business day . Another company recently brought into play is Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts with IHG identified as the potential predator after its discussions with Starwood apparently fell apart .

While Mövenpick President and CEO Jean Gabriel Pérès was unable to comment other than to say his board in early August had not indicated that such a plan is in place , when he recently talked to HOTELS about the state of his company he made it clear how well he understands and protects the power of his perfectly Swiss brand . In fact , whether or not the brand trades hands , Pérès believes the value of the Mövenpick brand could mean more to the company than its cash flow . “ Something I have always been able to do is express what our brand represents to guests and how valuable that is ,” says the Frenchman who has been at the helm of the Baar , Switzerland-based operation since 1999 . “ It is a passion of mine , and we must always teach everyone in our company what the brand is supposed to express .”
Pérès also likes to remind those around him how privileged the hotel company is to live under the halo of the parent Mövenpick
12 HOTELS September 2015 www . hotelsmag . com