Ariane Systems, a provider of self-check-in/out technology for hotels, has sold a minority stake to investment firm Ardian for Euro 3 million ($3.3 million).
Paris, France-based Ariane has been around since 2001. As well as software to streamline the check-in and check-out process, it operates self-service kiosks and keycard dispensers.
It works with 2,500 properties in twenty different countries. Brands named as clients include Choice Hotels, Scandic, Mövenpick, Park Inn, Radisson Blu, and Louvre Hotels.
Ariane technology is also compatible with other hotel IT functions, such as hotel management software, magnetic card and RFID access control systems, payment systems and providers of concierge/upselling services. The latter category is one where Ariane is looking to develop more partnerships.
Investor Ardian is also based in France. It was set up in 1996 and until 2013 it operated as AXA Private Equity. It has a number of funds and investment vehicles and claims to have "assets managed or advised" worth $50bn .
Laurent Cardot, MD of Ariane, said the money would be used to develop products with "a focus on personalization of offers, mobility and self-service" while Ardian's MD Laurent Foata talked about "increasing [Ariane's] international footprint."