The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), which operates 73 hotels in India and abroad, has announced the purchase of W Hotel Sydney, a 100 room, five-year old hotel, located in close proximity to the central business district of Woolloomooloo Bay, Sydney. The hotel is currently operated by the Starwood Group and is one of the top five hotels in Sydney.

The acquisition price was Australian $36 million. The Taj Hotels� re-branding and management of the hotel will begin early February 2006. The hotel will be operated under its own brand. Taj Hotels recently took over the legendary Pierre hotel in New York in July 2005. This foray into Australia reflects the Tata Group�s strategic intent of becoming a global force to be reckoned with.

Mr. Raymond Bickson, Managing Director & CEO, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, said, �We are delighted to make our debut in Australia with this wonderful hotel located in the up-market business district of Sydney.�

Situated at The Wharf at Woolloomooloo in Sydney, W Hotel Sydney is a boutique hotel in the heart of a luxury marina, entertainment and apartment complex. It is located within walking distance of the central business and shopping districts, the Sydney Opera House and offers spectacular views of the Royal Botanical Gardens. A Cond� Nast Traveller 2005 �Gold List� award winner, W Hotel offers a unique experience as a boutique hotel, which offers the facilities and reliability of a top-end business hotel. Providing an upscale experience, the hotel offers 100 guest rooms with stylish interiors, popular restaurants, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, Spa services and a full-service business centre. The hotel�s Water Bar has been named �Bar of the Year� by the Sydney Morning Herald and Cond� Nast Traveller has endorsed it as �One of the Top 10 Bars in the World�.

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About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 56 hotels in 39 locations across India with an additional 18 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Seychelles, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. Media Contacts Caroline Green / Nomi Kakoty/ Victoria Coombes ZFL PRCo Tel: 020 7259 1100 Fax: 020 7259 1101 zfl.uk@prco.org