Le Méridien is an American upscale, design-focused international hotel brand with a European perspective.

In 1994, as part of a cost-cutting measure, Air France sold its controlling interest in Meridien Hotels Inc., a 57.3% stake, to the UK-based Forte Group for $207 million.

[4] The French government was reported to have favored Accor's bid, wishing to keep the company French-owned, while the European Commission was reported to have favored Forte over Accor and to have pressured Air France to sell to Forte, in exchange for a vital 20 billion Franc bailout for the airline.

[9] In December 2003, Lehman Brothers Holdings acquired the senior debt of Le Méridien.

A Lehman Brothers and Starwood Capital Group joint venture obtained the leased and owned real estate assets in a separate deal.