Orient-Express turns down Indian Hotels tie-up plan

MUMBAI, Sept 19 (Reuters) - U.S.-based Orient-Express Hotels Ltd (OEH.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has turned down a proposal from Indian Hotels Co Ltd (IHTL.BO: Quote, Profile, Research) for a strategic alliance, saying it aimed to remain focused at the luxury segment on its own.

Indian Hotels, which owns India's Taj group of luxury hotels and resorts, said earlier this week it had paid $211.3 million for a 10 percent stake in Orient-Express Hotels.

The largest hotels operator in India also wrote a letter to Orient-Express to initiate talks for an alliance.

"The company has today responded to IHCL stating that it does not wish to pursue the proposals for discussion contained in their letter," Orient-Express said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The Orient-Express Hotels portfolio of hotels and other travel related services is aimed specifically at the top end of the luxury travel market," it said.

"The company believes its future growth plans should continue to focus on this segment as an independent company."

A spokesman for Indian Hotels declined comment.

Shares in Indian Hotels rose as much as 4.9 percent during trade on Tuesday, a day after it announced the stake purchase, but closed little changed at 129.45 rupees. The shares were up 0.4 percent at 130 rupees by 0549 GMT on Wednesday.