History of IHG Hotels & Resorts in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 17, 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts is a British multinational hospitality company with headquarters in Windsor, England. Traded on both the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, it is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. The company operates numerous hotel brands across various segments, making it one of the world's leading hotel companies.

1969: Crest Hotels chain launched

In 1969, Bass Charrington launched the Crest Hotels chain, marking its entry into the lodging sector.

1988: Bass purchased Holiday Inn International

In 1988, Bass invested further in its hotel business with the purchase of Holiday Inn International.

1990: Bass sold off the bulk of Crest Hotels

In 1990, Bass sold off the bulk of Crest Hotels, with the remaining properties absorbed into the Holiday Inn chain.

1998: Bass acquired Inter-Continental hotel chain and renamed hotel division

In 1998, Bass acquired the Inter-Continental hotel chain and renamed its hotel division from Holiday Hospitality to Bass Hotels & Resorts.

2001: Bass changed its name to Six Continents

In 2001, after selling its brewing assets, Bass changed its name to Six Continents, and Bass Hotels & Resorts became Six Continents Hotels.

October 2002: Six Continents announced it would split in two

In October 2002, Six Continents announced its plan to split into two separate companies, one for pubs and restaurants, and another for hotels and soft drinks.

April 2003: InterContinental Hotels Group established as an independent company

On April 15, 2003, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) was established as an independent company, following the split of Six Continents.

2003: IHG began asset disposal program

In 2003, IHG started an asset disposal program, selling off hotels to move towards an "asset-light" model focused on franchising and management.

2004: IHG acquired Candlewood Suites brand

In 2004, IHG acquired the Candlewood Suites brand for $15 million, adding a midscale extended stay hotel brand to its portfolio.

2005: IHG divested its soft drink holdings

In 2005, IHG divested its soft drink holdings, selling its 48 percent stake in Britvic for £371 million through an initial public offering.

May 2012: UK Advertising Standards Authority warned IHG

In May 2012, the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) warned IHG to include VAT in its advertised prices.

July 2012: Office of Fair Trading alleged IHG broke competition law

In July 2012, the Office of Fair Trading alleged that IHG had broken competition law by preventing online travel agents from discounting room prices.

August 2012: Which? magazine reported that IHG was violating VAT rules

In August 2012, a report by Which? magazine indicated that IHG was continuing to violate VAT rules regarding advertised prices.

February 2014: IHG agreed to end the practice of price fixing

In February 2014, IHG agreed to end the practice of price fixing after allegations of violating competition law.

2015: IHG completed asset disposal program

By 2015, IHG had sold around 200 hotels for almost $8 billion, completing their asset disposal program and leaving only 7 owned or leased properties.

2015: IHG acquired Kimpton Hotels

In 2015, IHG acquired Kimpton Hotels, a boutique hotel brand, for $430 million.

November 2017: London mayor Sadiq Khan accused IHG of failing to pay a living wage

In November 2017, London mayor Sadiq Khan accused IHG of failing to fulfill a commitment to pay a living wage to its employees.

February 2021: IHG announced an annual loss of $153 million

In February 2021, IHG announced an annual loss of $153 million due to COVID-19 restrictions, expecting recovery through the Holiday Inn Express brand.

2024: IHG has almost 6,500 hotels across more than 100 countries

According to the group's 2024 annual report, IHG has almost 6,500 hotels across more than 100 countries under 19 brands marketed across five segments.

2024: IHG reported revenues of $2.3 billion

In 2024, IHG reported revenues of $2.3 billion with a $1.1 billion operating profit and opened 371 new hotels.

2024: IHG signed franchise agreement with Novum Hospitality

In 2024, IHG signed a cooperation and franchise agreement with Novum Hospitality to rebrand and partially refurbish Novum's properties into IHG brands.

September 2025: IHG employs 375,000 people and operates more than 6,800 hotels globally

As of September 2025, IHG employs 375,000 people and operates, franchises, and leases more than 6,800 hotels globally.

2025: Onyria Group partners with Intercontinental Hotels Group

In 2025, Onyria Group partnered with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) through a franchise agreement, adding Onyria hotels in Cascais to the Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts portfolio.