Worldwide briefing
Essential news from around the world…
Rainforest takeover bid
Themed restaurant operator Rainforest Café has announced that it has received an unsolicited $125m takeover bid from a publicly held company. The bid could scupper Rainforest's proposed merger with casino operator Lakes Gaming.
Burger chief joins smoothie chain
The president of Burger King's North America division, Paul Clayton, has resigned. He is joining San Francisco-based Jamba Juice as chief executive. Jamba Juice has more than 275 "smoothie" bars across the USA.
Wendy's sales rise
Hamburger chain Wendy's has announced a like-for-like sales increase at its US restaurants of nearly 7% in December and about 6.5% in the fourth quarter of 1999. The group has more than 5,500 restaurants worldwide.
China gets third Sofitel
Accor has opened a five-star Sofitel hotel in Jinan, north-eastern China. The 345-bedroom property is the third Sofitel to open in the country.
Sodexho sales fall
US food service company Sodexho Marriott has reported sales down by 2% at $27.8m for the 13 weeks ended 3 December 1999, compared with the previous quarter.
Greek luxury
The 36-bedroom Villa Vedema Hotel on the Greek island of Santorini has joined Starwood Hotels' Luxury Collection.
