Golden Tulip Worldwide (GTW) is to rollout two of its key hotel brands in the UK and Ireland, in a franchise deal with Countrywide Leisure Management.

Countrywide Leisure was selected a master franchisee for the expansion of more than 30 new Golden Tulip and Tulip Inn sites over the next three years, following its successful management of the Golden Tulip and Tulip Inn hotels in Manchester.

The companies plan to locate the three to four star Golden Tulip brand and the superior budget Tulip Inn brand in areas with high corporate traffic, says Peter Roberts, managing director of Countrywide Leisure.

With more than 300 properties in over 42 countries, GTW is one of the largest hotel franchise operators in Europe. 'These franchises will create lucrative commercial opportunities for both entrepreneurial and group hotels looking to enhance the success of their hotels,' said franchise director, Bill Clifford.

Last week, managing director of GTW Hans WR Kennedie, led the company in a MBO from Spanish hotel chain NH Hoteles (NHH). Under the deal GTW will continue to operate the licence business for the Golden Tulip and Tulip Inn brands, while those owned and leased by NHH will be rebranded as NH Hotels.

Meanwhile, NHH has raised £56m for expansion through a sale and leaseback deal on four properties in Madrid, Pamplona, Bilboa and Lerida.