AccorInvest separates from Accor by renaming itself Essendi

"This change of identity completes our transformation and opens a new chapter in our history. The work accomplished by our teams in recent years has borne fruit: we have strengthened our leadership in Europe, optimized our portfolio, improved our profitability, and consolidated our financial structure," said its CEO, Gilles Clavié, in a press release.

For its new identity, Essendi is focusing in particular on "sustainable hospitality," believing that "extra-financial performance (ESG) is considered a competitive advantage" and that "a positive impact on society and the environment is an inseparable condition for economic success," according to the press release.

The CEO told AFP in March that all of its hotels would be certified Green Key, an environmental label, by the end of 2026.

AccorInvest, both a real estate investor and operator, employs 20.000 people in 24 countries. The group was severely weakened by the health crisis, taking on a heavy debt of €5 billion. Since then, by selling properties, it has managed to reduce its debt to €3 billion by the end of 2024.

He is still looking to sell the F1 hotels, 130 "French-style motels" positioned in the super-budget segment.

Refocused on budget and mid-range hotels, it now operates 576 hotels under Accor brands such as Ibis, Novotel and Mercure.

He does not rule out opening up to other brands in the economy and mid-range segment in the future, outside of Accor.

In 2024, the group generated a turnover of 4 billion euros, up 3% year-on-year at comparable scope, and a gross operating margin of 656 million euros (+6,1% at constant scope).