| The joint  venture, Rendezvous India Hospitality Private Limited will act as a catalyst in  RHI's growth, facilitated by XS Real's established and impressive track record  in the Indian market as a prominent property developer in this region since  1995.  RHI will own 51% of the JV and  will undertake the day to day responsibility for opening and operating the new  hotels under its management and brands- Rendezvous Hotels & Resorts as well  as Marque Hotels.   XS Real will use its local domain  knowledge and experience to introduce new business opportunities for the JV In  addition, they will support RHI in understanding local market conditions,  developing contacts, business and brand building strategies.  Alan Featherby, CEO of Rendezvous India says that the  company will initially concentrate on strengthening business in south India, although  the company plans to spread its wings across the country  eventually. "We want to manage at least 10 hotels in the next three  years in this region," he said, adding the JV would become operational by  the year-end.'   "This JV  presents a great opportunity for Rendezvous to enter one of the region's  fastest growing hotel markets with a reputable local partner.  We are  thrilled to be working with entrepreneurs of the calibre of Mr. Prabhakaran and  his executive team and understand their considerable expertise will mean mutual  benefits for both companies", Featherby added. Mr. S.G.  Prabhakaran, Vice Chairman, XS Real Properties informed the media that with an  acute shortage of hotel rooms in India across the mid and luxury  segment the JV brings in two brands, Rendezvous and Marque which can address  the needs of this segment. While explaining the marketing strategy he said,  "Stand alone hotels which are not able to retain their market share for  the lack of a brand, international expertise, network would be the ideal  partners to enter management contracts". Rendezvous Hotels and Resorts International Group  operates 19 hotels in Asia Pacific and Middle East.  Among X S Real's other upcoming real estate projects is a large, mixed  residential complex at Padur on Old Mahabalipuram Road in Chennai with a  built-up area of over three million sq ft, says a company release. |