(Yicai Global) March 23 -- Chinese hotel operator Huazhu Group has joined hands with property developer Sunac China Holdings on hospitality management spanning across their portfolios.

The pair's units have formed a joint venture called Yongle Huazhu Hotel & Resort Group with CNY50 million (USD7.7 million) in registered capital, the Shanghai-based owner of Grand Mercure and Hanting hotels said in a statement yesterday.

Huazhu and its subsidiary Deutsche Hospitality will authorize the JV to leverage their brands of Blossom Hill and Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts whereas Sunac will do the same for its brands of Mauve Hill, Mauve Glamor, and Arcadia Hotels. Huazhu has 50 percent of the JV's equity, Sunac holds 40 percent, and a strategic partner 10 percent.

Yongle Huazhu aims to provide hotel management services to more than 200 properties owned by the Tianjin-based real estate group and others in five years.

Huazhu will offer operational support to the JV via its booking and membership systems while charging fees for the service.

Editor: Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi