A French newspaper Le Figaro reported earlier today that Accor had studied a merger with IHG, and the board is in favor of while the CEO is more cautious.
The combined entity would have roughly 11,000 hotels (IHG 6,000 and Accor 5,000) under 53 brands (IHG 16 and Accor 37).
Accor has refused to comment on rumors.
(Source)