Which of the following options is classified as a parent company?

Accor is classified as a parent company because it owns and manages a diverse portfolio of hotel brands across various market segments. Parent companies are typically defined by their ownership of multiple subsidiary operations, allowing them to exert control over these brands while benefiting from their collective resources, marketing strategies, and operational efficiencies.

In this case, Accor oversees several well-known hotel brands, including Sofitel, Novotel, and Mercure, among others, which place it in a position to centralize brand management and strategic direction. This distinguishes it from individual hotel brands like Hampton Inn, Radisson Blu, and Holiday Inn Express, which are considered subsidiaries or specific hotel brands rather than entities that own multiple brands within the hotel industry.