There was lots of rumor, talk and possibility of a Chinese company taking over a major American hotel chain around a month back. In the end Starwood was acquired by Marriott.

However, now it appears that a Chinese company has acquired a different American hotel company.

Carlson Hotels, owners of Quorvus Collection, Radisson, Radisson, Blu, Radisson RED, Country Inns & Suites, Park Inn, Park Plaza and the Club Carlson rewards program has been bought by China’s HNA Tourism Group.

I found the sale interesting with Carlson opening the new , Radisson RED Brand so recently. (Maybe they should’ve waited and called the hotels Radisson GREEN!)

According to the press release, “Under terms of the Agreement, which were unanimously approved by the Carlson Board of Directors, HNA Tourism Group will acquire all of Carlson Hotels, including its approximately 51.3 percent majority stake in Rezidor Hotel Group AB“.

The current CEO of Carlson Hospitality Group, David Berg will remain as CEO. With HNA Tourism Group “understanding the need to preserve Carlson’s values, heritage and community connection“, they have “pledged to maintain Minnetonka, Minn., as its headquarters for the new organization“.

Pretty interesting stuff. I just wonder what changes might be ahead for Carlson Hotels as well as the Club Carlson rewards program.