Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 Orlando, FL — The Kessler Collection, known for founding Marriott’s Autograph Collection, has formed a strategic alliance with Highgate, a real estate investment and hospitality management company managing over 400 hotels globally. Highgate will manage several Kessler hotels, integrating Kessler’s creative vision with Highgate’s operational expertise. Highgate oversees $15 billion in assets, enhancing luxury experiences through tailored platforms. This partnership aims to elevate the luxury and lifestyle hospitality segments, merging artistry with performance.

🏨 Choice Hotels International™ expands in France, boosting its portfolio from 57 to 107 franchised properties across 41 new locations, including Nice and Reims. This adds over 4,800 rooms, with 22% in major cities. The 50 new Quality Suites™ properties build on a 2024 agreement with Zenitude Groupe, which initially added 30 properties and 4,000 rooms. This strategic move enhances long-stay and flexible accommodation options in France, with all properties joining the Choice Privileges® loyalty program.

🏨 The Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury is for sale, inviting substantial offers for its freehold. Reopened in July 2024, it forecasts a £715,745 net turnover for 2025. The hotel, dating back to the 15th Century, boasts 59 en-suite rooms, bars, lounges, and function spaces for up to 160 guests. Notable guests include Darwin, Dickens, and The Beatles. Owners seek new investors to leverage its historic and commercial potential, per Robert Smithson of Colliers.

💰 Pandox AB reported a Q3 profit of SEK 637m (£50m) and EBITDA of SEK 1.2bn (£95m), rebounding from a SEK 39m (£3.1m) loss last year. Total revenues rose 5%, with lease revenues up 2% and hotel operations up 10%. Cash earnings reached SEK 617m (£49m). The Dalata acquisition, valued at SEK 16.7bn (£1.32bn), adds 31 properties and projects SEK 1.2bn (£95m) annual rental income. Completion is expected in Q4 2025.

🏠 Invesco acquired the Radisson Blu Hotel in Marseille, France, from Union Investment for €43.5M, with 189 rooms, two restaurants, a bar, and 12 meeting rooms. Tikehau and Cresco bought the Tierpark Hotel in Berlin, Germany, with 278 rooms. Swiss Life purchased Seminarhotel Bocken in Horgen, Switzerland, with 40 rooms. Norkon and 25H Capital acquired NH Dresden Neustadt in Germany, featuring 269 rooms. Each acquisition involved real estate and hospitality enhancements.

🏨 Thailand: Flight Centre Travel Group is selling its luxury brand, Cross Hotels & Resorts, to South Korea's Sono International. Cross operates 28 hotels in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan from Bangkok. CEO Harry Thaliwal emphasizes regional growth and innovation with this partnership. The deal allows Flight Centre to focus on expanding Topdeck tours and Discova projects in Asia. Managing Director Graham Turner highlights future growth for Cross within Sono's expanding global reach.