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US/Japan: Japanese operator Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide (SPW), a company of Seibu Group, has acquired Ace Group International, parent company of Ace Hotel and its in-house creative agency Atelier Ace.
The acquisition was completed through SPW’s newly established US subsidiary, Ace Hotels Worldwide Inc. The deal is expected to close by the end of September 2025, upon which SPW will pay approximately USD $90 million to acquire Ace.
Under the agreement, Ace Hotel will operate as a subsidiary of SPW’s hotel division while retaining independence in brand and creative direction. Ace will also gain access to SPW’s loyalty program, Seibu Prince Global Rewards.
The Ace portfolio comprises eight hotels, including locations in New York, Kyoto, Brooklyn, and recently launched in Athens. Development projects currently in progress include Ace Hotel Fukuoka, anticipated to open in 2027.
Further expansion is targeted across North America, Asia and Europe.
“We’re honoured to join Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide,” said Brad Wilson, chairman of Ace Hotel. “Over the past decade, we’ve grown the Ace brand globally while staying true to our founding principles: transforming historic buildings, contributing to neighborhood revitalisation, and creating places that honor culture and community. Seibu Prince shares these values, and with their strategic vision and international reach, we can continue to safeguard Ace’s independent spirit while taking the brand to new heights.”
Chris Penn, CEO of Ace Hotel, added: “Ace has established itself as a leader in experiential hospitality, with a proven ability to create destinations that resonate across cultures and markets. Our partnership with SPW provides the platform to accelerate expansion, strengthen our market presence, and deliver long-term value, while staying true to Ace’s distinct hospitality model rooted in cultural engagement and creative expression. Together, we are entering the next chapter in Ace’s evolution as a global company.”
Yoshiki Kaneda, president and CEO of SPW, said: “Today marks an important milestone in SPW’s journey to become a truly global hotel group with Japanese roots. Ace Hotel brings a distinctive cultural spirit that perfectly complements our portfolio. By uniting Ace’s pioneering approach with SPW’s heritage of omotenashi, the Japanese art of genuine hospitality, and our global footprint, we are creating a hospitality group that is authentic and globally trusted.”
SPW’s portfolio spans luxury urban hotels and ryokans to ski resorts and golf retreats. Locations include Tokyo, Kyoto, New York, Singapore, Bahrain, and Hawaii.
Together, SPW and Ace will operate 94 hotels worldwide, with seven more in the pipeline.
Highlights:
• Japan’s Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide (SPW) will acquire Ace Group International, parent of Ace Hotel and Atelier Ace, for about USD $90 million.
• The deal, executed through SPW’s new US subsidiary Ace Hotels Worldwide Inc., is expected to close by the end of September 2025.
• Ace Hotel will remain a distinct brand and retain its own creative direction while operating under SPW’s hotel division.
• Ace operates eight hotels in cities such as New York, Kyoto, and Athens, with Ace Hotel Fukuoka opening in 2027.
• After the deal, SPW and Ace will manage 94 properties worldwide.