Le Méridien is to sell six former Principal hotels because they do not meet the company's 'core brand specifications.'

The decision was made after a review was conducted of all its hotels in the UK and Ireland region prior to finalising the merger of the two brands.

The sale of Norbreck Castle, Blackpool; The Queen Hotel, Chester; Manor House Hotel, Moretonhampstead; Keswick Hotel, Keswick; North Stafford Hotel, Stoke-on-Trent and the Golf Hotel, Lincoln is expected to raise in excess of £40m and is being managed by ATIS Real Wetheralls. Details: +44 (0)20 7338 4361

Once the sale is complete the chain will be left with nine Le Méridien hotels and seven former Principal hotels, plus The Cumberland, which is currently being re-branded in a £70m refurbishment programme to become the UK's first 'Art and Tech Hotel'.

The whole UK and Ireland portfolio will undergo a £250m investment programme and will be rebranded as Le Méridien over the next year. Details: www.lemeridien.com