In 1988, Johnson subsequently obtained the exclusive rights to The Ritz-Carlton brand name throughout the world except for the Hôtel Ritz Paris, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, and the Ritz-Carlton Montreal.
Johnson's acquisition in 1988 granted him exclusive authority over the Ritz-Carlton brand worldwide, with a few notable exclusions, including Hôtel Ritz Paris, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, and the Ritz-Carlton Montreal.