CIAM says Accor undervalued, good target for private equity

(This November 14 story corrects to say disposal of financial assets could return 35% market cap in cash in paragraph two, clarifies selling luxury business would be a second step)

LONDON (Reuters) - Accor <ACCP.PA> investor CIAM said on Thursday that Europe's largest hotel group was undervalued by public markets and a good potential target for a private equity buyer.

Catherine Berjal, CEO of CIAM, also told the Sohn conference in London, that a private equity buyer could dispose of Accor's non-core financial assets and return up to 35% of its market cap in cash.

Other steps to add value would include selling its luxury franchises and investing in its remaining business.

According to a source close to the matter CIAM has less than 1% in Accor, and did not view its investment as an activist position.

The Sohn conference brings together hedge fund managers invited to pitch ideas. Accor declined to comment.

(Reporting by Simon Jessop, Writing by Dominique Vidalon, Editing by Sarah White)