Reading Time: < 1 minute
Four years after Soho House floated on the New York Stock Exchange with a share price of $14, the members club group is going private again. MCR Hotels has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining shares of the group, with Soho House executive chairman Ron Burkle and his investment firm Yucaipa Companies retaining a majority control of the business. The deal, expected to close by the end of the year, values Soho House at $2.7 billion with stock holders receiving $9 per share in cash.
At the time of its IPO, Soho House had 28 properties worldwide. Today, this figure stands at 46 – an impressive growth rate, likely spurred by stock market pressure to drive quick returns for public investors. An IPO can clearly help with scale, but at what cost to brand identity and longevity?
By taking Soho House private, the company can refocus on its long-term stability. The involvement of MCR Hotels, one of the largest owner-operators in the US, will add a valuable operational lens to steering the group in its next phrase of growth. MCR’s CEO Tyler Morse will join the company’s board of directors as vice chairman. The challenge now will be translating MCR’s US operational expertise to a global legacy brand.
Subscribe to Boutique Hotel News here to receive our weekly e-newsletter.
