Currently operating 7 resorts in Thailand with a further 5 hotels to open in Thailand and the Philippines totally 12 properties, the portfolio of Astudo is a valuable addition to the Centara network.

Commenting on the takeover, Mr. Gerd Steeb, President of Centara Hotels & Resorts said “We have been looking for an opportunity to expand our Boutique Collection brand and many of the Astudo properties fit perfectly here.
In addition the majority of resorts are in locations where Centara operates larger 4 and 5 star properties so excellent synergies will deliver significant cost benefits to the combined operation.”

Suthikiati Chirathivat, chairman of the executive board of Central Plaza Hotels (Public) Co.,Ltd. said “I am particularly delighted to see this deal happen. Astudo Hotels and Resorts is a unique collection of properties, and provides us with a tremendous boost to our product offering here in Thailand.”

About Astudo Hotel & Resort Group:
Astudo Hotel & Resort Group is a regional Asian Pacific hotel management, development and consulting group. In addition to providing hotel consulting and management for boutique and mid sizes hotels and resorts from 50 to 250 rooms, Astudo group offers consulting, feasibility, brokerage and development services for Hotel owners and investors. The company is owned and operated by a mix of international and local executives with experience in all areas of the industry.

About Centara Hotels and Resorts
The year 2010 marks the 27th anniversary of Centara Hotels & Resorts. The company currently operates a chain of 24 hotels and resorts throughout Thailand, with the properties being either self-owned or managed under contract, and a further 9 are at present under development. In addition 4 resorts have been added in international destinations, totally 37 properties. Centara Hotels & Resorts is recognised as Thailand’s leading hotel groups for deluxe and first class accommodation and as one of Asia’s most important resources for the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) market. Apart from having dedicated MICE facilities at all of its hotels, Centara Hotels & Resorts also operates two state-of-the-art convention centres in Bangkok and engages a team of MICE industry professionals in both operations and sales. Centara Hotels & Resorts also operates 16 branches of Spa Cenvaree, one of Thailand’s most luxurious and innovative spa brands.

Photo shows (From Left):
Thirayuth Chirathivat, Senior Vice President for Project Management of Centara Hotels & Resorts
Gerd Steeb, President of Centara Hotels & Resorts
Suthikiati Chirathivat, Chairman of the Executive Board of Central Plaza Hotel (Public) Co., Ltd.
Anthony Mcdonald, CEO of Astudo Hotels and Resorts
Kevin Wallace, President of Centara International Management (CIM)
Suparat Uahwatanasakul, Vice President for Development, Centara International Management (CIM).