Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May, 15, 2002

Red Roof Inns, Motel 6 and Studio 6 to Receive AAFD Fair Franchising Seal

San Diego, CA: The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) has announced that it is awarding its prestigious Fair Franchising Seal to Dallas-based Accor Lodging North America and its Motel 6, Red Roof Inns and Studio 6 brands.

The Fair Franchising Seal is awarded to franchisors nominated by their franchisee association or Franchise Advisory Council as having an exemplary record of franchise practices that embody equity, fairness and service to the organization.

In order to earn the franchising seal, the nominated company's franchise agreement must be consistent with the spirit of AAFD's Fair Franchising Standards, and the company must receive approval from at least 75% of its franchisees in a confidential survey conducted by the AAFD. Accor's franchise agreement received a rating of 93% conformance to the AAFD's Fair Franchising Standards, and Accor franchisees voted a resounding 94% in favor of granting the award, which is higher than any other hospitality franchisor.

Accor Lodging North America was also recognized by the AAFD in March as its Franchisor of the Year. Dan Patel, immediate Past-Chair of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association and an Accor franchisee, congratulated Accor on being recognized as the AAFD Franchisor of the Year. Patel said, "Accor's pursuit of fair franchising has been an earnest endeavor."

"We are very proud to have been nominated and honored with the distinguished Fair Franchising Seal," said Georges Le Mener, President and CEO of Accor Lodging North America. "It is particularly meaningful because it reflects our overall commitment to quality in every aspect of our business. The fact that 94% of our franchisees support this fair franchising endorsement is a tremendous accolade and is evidence that our approach to franchising is well accepted."

Commented Robert Purvin, chairman of the AAFD, "The importance of the AAFD Fair Franchising Seal is that it rewards exemplary practices in the franchising marketplace. With the Seal, franchise buyers have a legitimate standard by which to judge a franchise opportunity -- an effective vote of confidence and approval by the system's own franchise owners."

According to Richard L. Rosen, Chairman of the AAFD Fair Franchising Standards Committee, "The members of the Standards Committee are gratified that the AAFD's Fair Franchising Seal has been awarded to Accor Lodging North America. The Fair Franchising Standards were promulgated to set guideposts along which franchisors and franchisees could travel to reach a more equitably balanced relationship. The awarding of the Seal to Accor is another indication that Fair Franchising is not only attainable but, in many cases, a reality."

Accor Lodging North America operates more than 1,200 properties including nationwide economy leaders Red Roof Inns, Motel 6 and Studio 6 and the upscale Sofitel and mid-scale Novotel hotel locations in the U.S. and Canada. Its economy lodging division comprises nearly 10% of the entire U.S. budget-lodging segment.

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers is the oldest and largest direct member non-profit trade association representing the interests of franchisees and independent dealer networks throughout the United States. Stressing market solutions and franchisee empowerment through independent franchisee associations, the AAFD has grown to represent more than 12,000 franchised businesses nationwide.

For more information, contact the AAFD at 800-733-9858, or visit our website.