The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) – owner of the Taj brand – has acquired a 10 per cent share in Orient-Express Hotels for US$211m (£106m, 152m euro).

Krishna Kumar, vice chair of IHCL, said: “Over the past few years, we have pursued the objective of growing the Taj brand internationally. As part of this strategy, we have been pursuing alliances with leading hotel groups that have not yet set up a presence in India, but have leadership positions elsewhere.

Kumar concluded: “This move is in line with our plans as a company.”

Orient-Express Hotels owns or part owns and manages 35 hotels – some with spas – in 25 countries around the world, as well as trains and cruisers. (See Spa Business 07 3 p22. To order, visit www.spabusiness.com)