Vista Hospitality has purchased the Select Inn brand from privately owned Select Franchising, Inc. of Fargo, ND. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

The acquisition gives the firm, which franchises the mid-tier Vista Inn and Vista Inn & Suites brands, a foothold in the economy segment and in the upper Midwest. Select has 14 properties in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. Vista has 11 properties from California to South Carolina. Two additional properties are slated to open in early 2009.

In other franchising news, America's Best Franchising, Inc. signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Budget Franchise System in which America's Best will become the sole worldwide franchisor and management firm for the Budgetel brand. Since its reintroduction to the market in early 2007, Budgetel has grown to five properties. America's Best Franchising has more than 200 properties under three flags: Country Hearth Inns & Suites, America's Best Inn & Suites and the new upscale 3 Palms brand.