One of the world's most magnificent trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express train recreates the original Orient-Express route from Paris to Istanbul once a year with restored cars and luxury suites from the 1920s.
Orient-Express says the bid amount is significantly low and undervalues the assets of the company.
US-based Orient Express Hotels has termed the $1.86 billion acquisition offer by Tata group firm Indian Hotels as 'unsolicited' and said it will evaluate the proposal 'carefully and respond' accordingly.
In a reply to Tatas' proposal for a possible association, Orient-Express, which owns New York's prestigious Club 9 Restaurants and a number of luxury hotel brands in the US and other countries, said in a statement that aligning with Tatas' "predominantly domestic Indian hotel chain" would adversely impact the brand value of its premium properties.
Publicly available data concerning the North American properties of both the hotel chains showed that Orient's average room rates were "meaningfully" below those of Taj's properties. Also, as per the latest financial statements, the trailing 12 month EBITDA margin of Indian Hotels was around 15 per cent higher than that of Oriental, Tatas said.
This acquisition may be a precursor to an association with Orient-Express, which owns or part-owns and manages 35 hotels in 25 countries.
Swinging back into profit for the third-quarter with net earnings of about $18 million, luxury hotel chain operator Orient Express on Friday said it is consulting financial and legal advisors on the Tata group's takeover bid and will reply to the offer in due course of time.
US-based luxury hotel chain operator Orient Express has brought on its board an Indian-origin restaurant business entrepreneur Harsha V Agadi as an independent director.
Orient-Express has rejected repeated approaches from Tata's Indian Hotels Company, with the issue turning into a public spat in December when the US group said it believed such an alliance would damage the value of its brands.
In an attempt to allay concerns of the US-based hospitality chain, Indian Hotels Co Ltd vice-chairman R K Krishna Kumar, in a letter to Lovejoy, said the Tata group firm would like to engage in a constructive dialogue.
Stung by the US super luxury hotel chain Orient Express' rebuff to be associated with the Tatas-owned Taj Hotels, the Tatas on Thursday shot off a letter to the American company's alleging its posture was "libellous".
Dubai Holding, an investment firm of the Dubai government, has threatened to come out with an open offer for Orient-Express Hotels if the Tata group acquires a significant stake in the hotel chain. This comes exactly a month after the Tata group's Indian Hotels Company bought 10 per cent and expressed interest in striking a deal which was turned down by Orient-Express.
Terming "unproductive" the public dialogue between the Tatas and Bermuda-based Orient-Express, a key investor has asked the US-listed luxury hotel chain to come clear on its corporate governance structure.
It will expand their footprint radically, give them a huge presence at the top end of the market, and reduce their dependence on India.
Offer valued at $1.86 bn comes 5 years after Bermuda chain rebuffed Indian Hotels.
In a second attempt to take control of Orient Express, Indian Hotels on Thursday made $1.86 billion offer to acquire the international luxury hotels operator.
Firm's board expected to meet by Thursday to take a call on the offer.
They are considering options with respect to the offer to acquire the hotel.
In the first quarter of 2008, the company had a net loss of $4.3 million, Orient Express said. The net loss from continuing operations for the period was $13.6 million compared with a net loss of $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2008.
Following the swearing-in of C Joseph Vijay as Tamil Nadu's chief minister, the new cabinet has pledged a 'white paper' audit of all state departments and a 'zero-interference' policy in administration, signalling a significant shift in governance.
Orient-Express Hotels (OEH), the Bermuda-based owner and operator of luxury hotels, trains, river cruises and restaurants, is open to expanding its global reach, which could include a base in India.
'In India's case, an extended earnings slowdown accompanied by rich valuations have dimmed returns since late 2024.'
Indian Hotels' ambitious bid to acquire Orient-Express Hotels (OEH) has disappointed the Street. However, this might be a knee-jerk reaction.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has submitted a fact-finding report to the Maharashtra government, revealing pervasive sexual harassment, systemic bullying, and zero compliance with the POSH Act at the Nashik unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The report details a toxic workplace environment and recommends strict action and compliance with the POSH Act.
In part 3 of a Rediff series exploring new careers for aspiring professionals, Sanjay Salunkhe, founder of Jaro Education highlights how young professionals can adapt to the evolving AI-driven landscape in the creative industry.
Yoga expert Pushpa R of Radiant Yoga Vibes suggests three asanas that work directly on the core, digestion, posture, and metabolism.
Actor Vijay's journey from a shy film star to a political leader is explored, highlighting his unconventional methods and the key moments that shaped his transformation.
Ask rediffGURU and PF, MF and insurance expert Purshotam Lal your mutual fund, insurance and personal finance-related questions.
Paul White is now the advisor to Indian Hotels in its second attempt to take over the Bermuda-based chain.
Gujarat Titans batting coach Matthew Hayden praises Shubman Gill's clarity, confidence, and leadership skills ahead of their IPL 2026 opener against Punjab Kings.
The new NCERT Class 9 mathematics textbook, 'Ganita Manjari', integrates ancient Indian mathematical systems and historical context, marking a shift from previous editions by emphasising indigenous contributions and linking concepts to ancient texts and scholars.
Murder on the Orient Express offers intrigue worthy of Hercules Poirot's investigation and our time, feels Sukanya Verma.
The budget session of the Delhi Assembly concluded with over 15 hours of legislative business. Speaker Vijender Gupta voiced concerns over the opposition's conduct during the session.
'When Narendra Modi was here, he spoke only about development and what the BJP wanted to do in Kerala. That kind of sober rhetoric or argument is acceptable to the people here.'
Households should moderate large discretionary expenses for the time being.
'They should prioritise essential spending. They should maintain an emergency fund covering 6 to 12 months of expenses.'
Kolkata Knight Riders' all-rounder Ramandeep Singh is enthusiastic about the arrival of Shane Watson and Andre Russell as coaches, believing their expertise will significantly enhance his game ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
Customers will qualify for compensation even if they mistakenly share the OTP.
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide policy for menstrual leave for women students and workers, citing concerns about potential negative impacts on female employment and the reinforcement of gender stereotypes.
Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.
'Was the five-day pause ever meant to hold, or was it simply another instrument of signaling, of positioning, of buying time in a war where even the pauses are tactical?' asks Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances