The agreement, which was signed with AFM Hospitality of Toronto, is expected to bring more than 100 properties into the Knights Inn system over the next five years. 

“Based on our existing relationship, we know AFM brings an aggressive development plan and unique knowledge of the Canadian market that should make Knights a sure-fire winner in Canada,” said Eric Pfeffer, Chairman and CEO of Cendant Hotel Division.  “This is a milestone for the brand that should set the stage for further international development, which is a major
component to the continued future growth of the chain.”

“We have been looking for a strong budget brand to complement AFM’s existing portfolio of hotel chains and we think Knights will be a perfect fit,” said Stephen Phillips, president and CEO of AFM Hospitality.  “With this agreement Knights has gained entry into a market with definite growth potential for budget hotels.”

“Knights Inn hotels cater to business as well as leisure travelers and we expect demand for this product to propel our development schedule,” added Phillips.   “We will be developing new construction properties as well as conversions from existing independent motels or other chain brands and look forward to making the Knights Inn chain a success.” 

Vinay Patel, vice president of marketing for Knights Franchise Systems, Inc. stated that many travelers from Canada are already familiar with the Knights Inn name from visits to the United States and that this affinity will only augment the success of the brand in the country.

Through its subsidiaries, AFM Hospitality Corporation, which also owns HFS Purchasing Services, is the exclusive Canadian master franchiser for Ramada®, Howard Johnson®, Villager Lodge. With over 100 locations committed nationally, AFM Hospitality represents an inventory of more than 10,000 hotel rooms.  The company’s primary focus is to increase the number of hotels franchised by the respective brands, franchise new brands and acquire
other franchise businesses related to the hospitality industry. AFM Hospitality Corporation is a publicly traded company.

Knights Franchise Systems, Inc., a budget hotel chain of approximately 230 franchised properties in the United States and Canada, is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation.