| |
UNITED AND CONTINENTAL TO MERGE
(source: CNNMoney.com)
UAL Corp.'s United Airlines announced on Monday it will merge with Continental Airlines in a deal worth $3.2 billion, creating the world's largest airline.
The combined company, which will fly under the United moniker and Continental logo, is now larger than Delta Air Lines, which became the country's largest airline when it merged with Northwest Airlines in 2008. It is expected to serve more than 144 million passengers per year and fly to 370 destinations in 59 countries.
"Combining these two companies is the best way to position ourselves ... to thrive in the changing and competitive airline [industry,]" said Jeff Smisek, chief executive of Continental, in a press conference with Glenn Tilton, chief executive of UAL Corp. "Continental is strong where United is weak; United is strong where Continental is weak. Putting these two carriers together is a match made in heaven."
Under the terms of the deal, Continental shareholders will receive 1.05 shares of United common stock for each Continental common share they own, the companies said in a statement.
United shareholders would own approximately 55% of the combined company and Continental shareholders would own approximately 45%.
United and Continental discussed combining in 2008 and Houston-based Continental backed out. United boasts a stronger financial position this time around though.
Assuming the deal clears antitrust hurdles, the combined airline would be based in Chicago, United's home, and its largest hub will be Houston, Continental's base, according to the executives. The holding company will be named United Continental Holdings and the carrier itself will be named United Airlines. Continental chief executive Smisek will serve as CEO of the merged company.
Back To Top
ASH GROUNDS FLIGHTS FOR SECOND STRAIGHT DAY
(source: The Lawyers' Travel Service NewsAlert)
A new wave of dense volcanic ash from Iceland snarled air traffic today in Ireland and Scotland, stranding tens of thousands of people but narrowly missing England and key London air hubs.
Dublin Airport canceled all flights until 4 a.m. (0300GMT) Thursday, marooning more than 30,000 passengers in the process.
More than a dozen other airports throughout the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland shut down, too, as unseasonable winds pushed the engine-wrecking ash southwest back toward the Atlantic. Britain's National Air Traffic Service said the densest ash clouds skirted the western coast of England and North Wales but posed no threat to airports there.
The renewed volcanic-ash threat in the skies of Britain and Ireland this week, following a two-week lull, has tested the more precise safety rules adopted by European aviation authorities following the unprecedented April 14-20 closure of most northern European airspace.
This time authorities are grounding flights only when the ash reaches sufficient density levels and gets within 60 miles (100 kilometers) of an airport's path for landings and takeoffs - a stark contrast to last month's closures of air services throughout several countries.
Britain's National Air Traffic Service cleared Edinburgh Airport in eastern Scotland to reopen Wednesday evening, but Glasgow Airport further west was required to shut its runways until 1 a.m. (0000GMT) Thursday at the earliest.
The Irish Aviation Authority said Dublin should be the country's first airport to reopen. The other major international hub, Shannon Airport, will shut from 5:30 p.m. (1630GMT) Wednesday until 1 p.m. (1200GMT) Thursday. Two smaller airports in southwest Ireland, Cork and Kerry, were to shut at midnight and reopen at 11 a.m. (1000GMT) and 3 p.m. (1400GMT), respectively.
In Iceland, civil protection officials said the Eyjafjallajokul volcano was spewing out ash continuously, but only at a rate equivalent to 5 percent of its original volumes in the early days of the eruption.
The volcano, about 900 miles (1,500 miles) northwest of Ireland, has shown no signs of stopping since it began belching ash April 13. The glacier-capped volcano last erupted sporadically from 1821 to 1823.
Travel experts warned that Ireland was particularly vulnerable to summertime disruption if Eyjafjallajokul doesn't calm down.
The Lawyers' Travel Service has generated passenger reports in order to identify, notify and re-accommodate travelers who may be affected. We will continue to monitor this situation closely.
For up to date information, see The European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation:
www.eurocontrol.int/corporate/public/site_preferences/display_news_list.html
Back To Top
IT’S CLEAR SKIES FOR M&A EXECS
(source: Crain's New York Business featuring Michael Steiner, Executive Vice President, The Lawyers' Travel Service)
Last month's Icelandic volcano eruption actually cleared up something for deal watchers: The mergers-and-acquisitions market is alive and kicking. Ovation Corporate Travel (sister company of The Lawyers' Travel Service) had so many clients raring to get to the U.K. for deal talks the week after the eruption that it was able to fill a chartered jet with 160 M&A types—hedge fund executives, private equity guys, investment bankers and corporate lawyers. Ovation's (and The Lawyers' Travel Service) law firm practice handles travel for half of the AmLaw 100 firms.
"Most of our clients work in the mergers-and-acquisitions world," says Michael Steiner, executive vice president of Ovation (and Lawyers' Travel). "And if we're any kind of decent litmus test of activity, let's just say that business started picking up in December, and it's up big-time over this same time last year."
Back To Top
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE FAIRMONT COPLEY PLAZA
138 ST. James Avenue
Boston
"Boston's Best Addressed Hotel"
Glimmering prominently in the city's historic cultural neighborhood, Boston's "Grande Dame Hotel," The Fairmont Copley Plaza provides travelers with an unrivaled and authentically local experience.
Featuring Boston's Award Winning Oak Room Restaurant, The Fairmont Copley Plaza is located on Copley Square in Boston's Back Bay section. Just steps away from fashionable Newbury Street, Back Bay businesses, the Boston Public Library, the Prudential Center and the Hancock Tower, the hotel melds Boston's historic charm to its new modern business pulse.
The Fairmont Copley Plaza is pleased to offer numerous services and amenities including: Complimentary Car Service, Wireless Internet Access, Flat Screen TV's, I-Home ipod docking stations, and the uncompromising service and personal touches guests would expect to find at Fairmont Hotels & Resort.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Fairmont Copley Plaza is $249 through June 26, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $359).*
Back To Top
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY CHICAGO
151 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago
Ideally located in the heart of downtown, close to all the city has to offer, Hyatt Regency Chicago makes traveling easy by providing many services and amenities to create a comfortable and convenient stay for guests.
Newly renovated West Tower guest rooms ~ Numerous suite parlors that can be used as war rooms (available at a discount) ~ Six restaurants and lounges ~ Guest rooms with iHome Alarm Clocks, 37" plasma TVs, Wireless Internet, Hyatt's Grand Bed & numerous residential touches ~ Complimentary 24-hour fitness center ~ Fast board airline printing stations. The authentic hospitality guests will receive from the moment of arrival to the time of departure completes the experience.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Hyatt Regency Chicago is $180 through June 30, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $219).*
Back To Top
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY SAN FRANCISCO
5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco
Luxury and location converge in perfect balance at Hyatt Regency San Francisco.
This Four Diamond hotel is located in the Financial District with a unique waterfront setting on the fabulous Embarcadero and offers easy access to all transportation options including BART, Muni & the famous California Street Cable Car line.
The Lawyers' Travel Service's rate includes complimentary Wireless High Speed Internet Access, local & 800# telephone calls. Room service is available from 6:30am – 10:30pm. Eclipse Restaurant serves Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and is open daily from 6am – 10pm. All rooms feature City or Bay views with floor to ceiling glass windows that open to allow fresh air in. The fitness center has just been renovated, expanded and features brand new equipment.
Guests will enjoy immediate access to both the Financial District and the city's most famous attractions, restaurants and nightlife. Guests will find the historic Ferry Building on one side of the hotel, the ferry to Alcatraz and the Bay on the other, and stunning views all around.
With so many options, guests may choose to wander through Chinatown to Fisherman's Wharf, shop in Union Square or board the cable cars for a riding tour of the city. Hyatt Regency invites guests to stay here on their next visit to San Francisco.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Hyatt Regency San Francisco is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $255).*
Back To Top
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY WASHINGTON
400 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, D.C.
Hyatt Regency Washington is conveniently located in the political heart of Washington, D.C., within walking distance of many historic monuments and attractions including the U.S. Capitol, National Mall, Smithsonian Museums and Union Station. Featuring 834 upscale modern guestrooms complete with pillow-top mattresses, iHome clock radios, extensive work desk and new 37" LG EcoSmart flat screen LCD televisions. The vibrant contemporary open-air atrium lobby provides a prime spot for relaxing with one's favorite cocktail or dining in Article One-American Grill and Lounge. The restaurant offers a casual location for breakfast and lunch each day, while featuring an upscale grill menu for dinner each evening. The lounge is perfect for mingling, people watching or catching-up on the day's current events.
Hotel guests receive complimentary access to the 8,000 sq. ft. fitness center with indoor heated lap pool and locker rooms with saunas.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency Washington is $285 through June 30, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $349).*
Back To Top
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LANDMARK LONDON
222 Marylebone Road
London
With a five star rating, The Landmark London ranks among the finest of the Capital's leading luxury hotels. Perfectly located in one of London's most up market districts and close to all main attractions and amenities. London's main airports can all be reached in less than an hour.
With its own distinctive style and ambience, it combines classic British elegance and grandeur with the deluxe facilities demanded by today's discerning travelers. Encompassing 300 of the largest guest rooms in London, all rooms boast beautiful Italian marble en suites.
Situated beneath the soaring eight-story glass roof atrium, and offering international cuisine is the stunning Winter Garden, famous for its Afternoon Tea. The stylish and relaxed bar and restaurant twotwentytwo provides traditional English food, beers, wines and cocktails. The exclusive Mirror Bar is elegantly designed in a style reminiscent of a bygone era and is the perfect place in which to enjoy a cocktail or a wide range of Champagne. The stylish 40 seat bar has a late license until 2am.
The Landmark Spa is now one of London's premier hotel spas, offering guests a complete well-being experience. The Spa centerpiece is a 15 meter swimming pool, around which is a whirlpool, a sauna-like sanarium, and two essence-infused monsoon showers. Overlooking the pool is a fully equipped gymnasium home to the latest star-trac cardiovascular equipment. For pure luxury and pampering, ESPA beauty treatments and massages are available.
Eleven spacious meeting rooms mean The Landmark is perfectly equipped when it comes to organizing a conference or event. Most rooms feature natural daylight, original design features and high ceilings. The Landmark's exceptional range of meeting venues can cater for 20 to 750 people.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Landmark London is £210 (compared to a corporate rate of £292).*
Back To Top
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
TRUMP SOHO
246 Spring Street
New York City
Doors opened on April 9th.
Neighboring the numerous art galleries and chic boutiques of fashionable SoHo, the 46-story, 391-room Trump SoHo New York blends classically inspired interiors with contemporary New York design. With only twelve rooms per floor, Trump SoHo has the ambiance of an intimate hotel with a full complement of services and amenities that provide a luxury hotel experience. Relax in the spaciousness of guest rooms that begin at 420 sq ft. Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, the hotel's restaurant, features Northern Italian cuisine where the cooking is ingredient-driven and inspired. Sip a cappuccino or champagne in The Library and peruse books by TASCHEN. Kastel, an intimate cocktail lounge, proves to be a go to spot. Opening early summer - The Spa at Trump® with New York's only authentic luxury hammam and nine treatment rooms. Bar d'Eau, a seasonal indoor-outdoor space, overflows onto a landscaped pool deck providing a private spot to relax and escape the city streets.
Trump SoHo. Introducing a new perspective.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Trump SoHo is $339 through June 25, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $479).*
Back To Top
* All rates are subject to availability.
______________________________________________________________
The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112 |
|
