Jurys Doyle Hotel Group, the Irish hotel operator taken private in 2005, could reportedly put Jurys Inn, its subsidiary of 20 three star hotels, up for sale after hiring Merrill Lynch to explore options for the brand.

It is thought likely that Merrill Lynch, will recommend a sale of the business, although alternatives include the separation of property assets from the operating business. If Jury's Doyle opts for a sale, it can expect to receive up to €1bn for the business. 

The Jurys Inn portfolio consists of 14 hotels in Britain and 6 in Ireland, and is reported to have EBITDA of €60m. Two thirds of the hotels are freehold properties, something that would be highly attractive to potential buyers, who are expected to include venture capitalists, property investors and leisure groups.

Jurys Doyle was bought by a consortium led by the Doyle family in 2005 for €1.6bn, and the Jurys Inn brand accounts for around 40% of the group's turnover.