Accor May Divest Carlson Wagonlit Holdings

French lodging and services group Accor announced at press time that it is considering selling part or all of its 50 percent stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel. "Accor confirms studying the total or partial divestment of its interest in Carlson Wagonlit Travel," the group said in a statement on its Web site last Friday. "No decision has been taken at this point."

There had been speculation for several months that Accor's new president Gilles Pélisson would look to sell the stake when he took the helm in January if he determined Carlson Wagonlit to be a non-core activity for the group. However, in a video broadcast to Accor staff worldwide during his first week, he hinted at continuing investment in CWT's expansion. CWT president and CEO Hubert Joly declined to comment on shareholder activity.