| TORONTO, June 7, 2005 - Four Seasons Hotels Inc. (TSX Symbol "FSH.SV";
NYSE Symbol "FS") and Urban Investment ("Urban"), a subsidiary of JMB Realty
Corporation ("JMB"), indirect owner of the Ritz-Carlton Chicago, confirmed
today that they have agreed to begin a process to sell all or part of the
ownership interest in the Hotel. Four Seasons and Urban have also agreed
that, upon completion of the sale, Four Seasons will cease managing the
Hotel and will be entitled to receive payment, an amount which Four Seasons
believes will compensate it for the value of its long-term management contract.
Four Seasons has managed the Ritz-Carlton Chicago since 1977. During
this period, the Hotel has established an exceptional reputation in the
Chicago community and among discerning travelers everywhere.
"We are honored to be associated with this outstanding property and
take pride in the leadership it has enjoyed over the years," said Neil
Bluhm, President, Urban. "We have made significant investments at the Ritz-Carlton
in recent years, and we believe the time is ideal to maximize the value
of our investment there. We are also in the process of making a major investment
in the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, which is widely recognized as one of
the world's finest luxury properties."
"As one of the first hotels we managed in the United States, the Ritz-Carlton
Chicago holds a special place in our company's history. Its reputation
could not have been achieved without the strong motivation, intuitive dedication
and hard work of the Hotel's employees," said Isadore Sharp, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "We understand
that current market conditions offer a unique opportunity to our long-term
partner and we look forward to continuing to work with them here in Chicago
at the Four Seasons."
Four Seasons will continue to manage the Ritz-Carlton Chicago throughout
the sale process. The sale will be handled by Eastdil Realty of Santa Monica.
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