Carlson Companies Inc.

Exporter
701 Carlson Pkwy., Minnetonka, MN 55305-5240, United States
(763)212-4000, http://www.carlson.com

Primary SIC: Hotels, Motels, Primary NAICS: Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels
Description: Services: Operator of hotels, resorts, and inns, provider of marketing services including incentive programs, loyality motivation and sales promotion. Retail: Restaurant chain. Transportation: Travel agency, tour and cruise line operator. More

Carlson Companies Inc. began in 1938 as Gold Bond Stamp Company by entrepreneur, Curtis LeRoy Carlson, which sold trading stamps to retailers. Later, the company offered sales promotions, incentives and other related ventures. Through diversity the company has grown into a global $22 billion company. Today, Carlson operates about 100 businesses in 140 countries. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Carlson is the parent company for Carlson Marketing Group, (global marketing services), Carlson Hospitality Worldwide (hotels, restaurants, resorts and cruise liners) and Carlson Wagonlit Travel). Radisson Hotels Worldwide, Country Inns and Suites, Regent International Hotels, T.G.I. Friday's and Italianni's restaurants. In fiscal 1999 Carlson thus far has opened 11 company-owned T.G.I. Friday's restaurants, while an additional 27 new locations opened with its licensees. In 1998 Carlson Restaurants Worldwide had revenues of $1.4 billion. Friday's holds 43 domestic and 38 international licensees. The company was turned over to his daughter, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, in 1998 and she holds the title of CEO.