Hilton Worldwide signed an exclusive license agreement with Plateno Hotels Group,

operator of China's largest hotel loyalty program, to launch and develop the Hampton by Hilton brand in China, Hilton announced Thursday. Hilton expects to have more than 400 deals signed and the first hotel open by the end of 2015. "After extensively researching the market, we've seen an untapped opportunity to grow in the upper economy to mid-scale category," according to Hilton Worldwide executive vice president of global brands Jim Holthouser.