GRAND HERITAGE MOVE
Grand Heritage Europe development director Timothy Hadcock-Mackay and finance director David Owen have acquired the company for an undisclosed amount in a management buyout. The pair will take on the roles of joint managing directors.
DECISION DELAYED
British Midland’s hopes for an early decision on its request to be exempt from transatlantic flight restrictions have received a setback because open-skies talks have been delayed. They were due to start this week, but have been put back to July 5. The delay is due to a dispute between British Airways and the Government on how quickly Heathrow should be opened up to competition. British Midland chairman Sir Michael Bishop was in Washington last Tuesday to argue the airline’s case.
JARVIS APPROACHED
Jarvis Hotels marketing director Hugh Taylor said he has been approached by several European companies who are interested in signing a joint- venture partnership with the hotel group. Taylor refused to name the companies. The news came as the group reported a 3% rise in pre-tax profits to £32.4m for the 12 months ending March 27 and sales are up 4% to £37.7m.
STENA SPLASHES OUT
Stena Line is to charter two new ferries for its Harwich to Hook of Holland route. The450-passenger ships are currently being built in Spain and will join the fleet in the second half of 2000. They will operate alongside Stena’s high-speed vessel Stena Discovery.