What looked likely to be a straightforward mile race has turned into a marathon. Jurys first announced its intention to acquire the Doyles Hotel group last September.

And ever since the negotiations appear to have taken various twists and turns, with some reports emerging along the way that other international hotel chains were showing an interest in the Doyles group.

But now the deal is finally done and dusted - almost - and an announcement can be expected in the next week or so.

Only those most closely involved will know precisely what the hold-ups have been. Certainly a series of exclusive reports in The Irish Times earlier this year outlining the terms of the deal and issues which it had raised put things on hold for a while.

Among these issues were documents showing that PV Doyle had an overdraft facility, which Mr Des Traynor told Doyles, was used for Mr Charles Haughey's benefit.

And agreement had to be reached on terms with the Doyle family and with David and Michael Doyle, who have sold their shares and will have no further involvement.

While this one won't be over until it is over, all the obstacles appear to have been overcome. And it is timely now to stand back and reflect on what will be created by the acquisition.

The Jurys Doyle Hotel Group will consist of 28 hotels and inns in the Irish, British and US markets, making it of similar size to the major British chains. The other players in the Irish market, such as Ryans and Great Southern, look small by comparison. With the Great Southern Hotels due to come up for sale, the question now is whether it becomes an addon to the Jurys/Doyle empire, an acquisition targeted by Ryans to increase its scale or a vehicle for some of the international groups with a foothold in the market to enlarge their presence here.