figures show a new forte
THE future for the UK's largest hotel company was mapped out in detail last week with the publication of its final defence document against the Granada bid.
For the first time, Forte has revealed extensive occupancy, room rate and other statistics broken down by brand and geographical region.
The company had previously claimed such data had to be concealed for competitive reasons.
The figures relate exclusively to the hotel interests, stripping out all other businesses. The 1995/96 numbers are forecasts based on the year to date.
Forte's overall operating margin is lower than that of most of its competitors, but the Posthouse chain looks healthy, particularly when other performance measures are used.
The tables give figures for Méridien as if the chain had been owned by Forte for the entire two-year period (it was bought in November 1994).
They also include the remaining Grand properties that are being converted. In addition, the Crests at Gatwick and Heathrow airports will become Méridiens.
The Posthouse figures take in 15 Crests that are being converted on a rolling programme over the next six to nine months. These include the Regents Park and Bloomsbury Crests in London.
From 1 February, the White Harts in Worcester, Luton, Bolton and Ipswich will transfer to Posthouse, though all need some work to bring them up to the brand standard.
