Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) today announced that it has agreed to acquire the remaining 60 percent ownership interest in Choice Hospitality (India) Ltd. Choice Hospitality India serves as the master partner and franchisor of Choice’s hotel brands in India, and after the completion of the transaction, the entity will be operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary.

The announcement coincides with the company’s sponsorship of the Hotel Investment Forum India Conference, taking place this week in Mumbai, at which Stephen P. Joyce, the company’s president and chief executive officer, is participating on the Hotel Leaders Forum.

“We plan to focus extensive development resources on growing our presence in India, which now stands at 28 hotels,” said Joyce. “India is an extremely important key market for our global growth and we’re looking forward to the great development potential that it holds for our brands and our hotels.”

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Choice Hospitality India’s franchisees will now be able to take advantage of the comprehensive menu of resources and focused executive-level attention from Choice Hotels International. This support is designed to help franchisees to grow their business, both among in-country and international travelers. Among the added benefits to Choice Hospitality India as a wholly-owned subsidiary are increased marketing initiatives, expanded programs, and additional training services.

“I’m very excited about our long-term growth opportunities and the passionate owners, operators, hotel staff and top-notch properties we have as part of our system in India,” said Mark Pearce, vice president, international operations for Choice Hotels International. “We truly believe that this move will be tremendously beneficial for all parties involved - Choice Hotels International, Choice Hospitality India and its current and prospective franchisees.”

“We are delighted about this transition, as this recent change for Choice Hospitality India speaks to the strong confidence Choice Hotels International has in its ability to grow its brands’ presence in India,” said Vilas Pawar, chief executive officer for Choice Hospitality India, who now reports directly to Mr. Pearce. “Development remains steady for us, as we’ve recently expanded our presence with the opening of the Quality Inn Pearl in Hyderabad and the Quality Inn in Tuticorin.”