Image: Pullman is among the Accor brands already with a presence in the South American hotel market

Hotel group Accor has agreed a US$275m (EUR225m, £176m) deal for the acquisition of a 15-strong portfolio of properties across South America from Grupo Posadas.

The transaction incorporates four owned hotels, four variable leased hotels and seven hotels under management contracts, with locations spanning Brazil, Argentina and Chile.

In addition to the existing hotels, the deal also includes a secured pipeline of 14 hotels under management contracts and two Grupo Posadas brands - Caesar Park and Caesar Business.

Among the five Caesar Park properties is Caesar Park São Paulo International Airport Hotel in Brazil, which has a health club with whirlpool, beauty salon and massage services.

The 10-strong Caesar Business portfolio includes the Caesar Business Puerto Montt, which houses a swimming pool and a fitness centre among its facilities.

Accor said the acquisition will strengthen brands operating in the region - including Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel and Mercure - and reinforce its presence in the up and midscale markets.

Denis Hennequin, chair and CEO of the hotel group, said: "The Accor Group, through this acquisition, records another success and confirms its ambitious expansion plan."

Details: www.accor.com

Image: Rosemoon