Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 Switch Management acquired the 78-bedroom Ibis Styles Hotel in Bournemouth, safeguarding about 30 jobs. Joint administrators Glen Carter and Damian Webb of RSM UK facilitated the sale from Coast Hotels and Leisure. This marks Switch Management's second Bournemouth acquisition, following a £2 million investment in Queens Hotel and Spa. The hotel will continue operating in the coastal market as Switch Management works to stabilize and enhance its business operations.

📍 In 2024, Hyatt acquired Standard International, LLC, encompassing 22 hotels and approximately 2,000 rooms, with over 30 projects in development. Previously, IHG purchased Kimpton Hotels in 2014 for $430 million, initially featuring 62 hotels and 71 restaurants. Accor acquired 85% of 21c Museum Hotels in 2018 when it had eight hotels and three under development. CBRE's 2025 research indicates hotel brand growth at a 7% annual rate, while loyalty membership increased by 15%. Unfortunately, increased brands haven't improved RevPAR since 2019.

💰 The Ringland Group lists The 1852 Hotel and Town Square bar for over £2.85m. CBRE manages the sale of this 21-bedroom hotel with a capacity for 68 guests, including permission to add 5 bedrooms. The sale funds Ringland's £17m development, featuring a 76-bed hotel on Callender Street and a rooftop bar on Howard Street. The hotel, led by General Manager Andrew McWhirter and an 18-person team, is praised for its efficiency.

📍 The Crown Hotel in Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway, is on sale for £895,000. It features 15 en suite rooms and a function space for 120 guests. Sinead Farrell, owner since 2008, is selling due to relocation. Tony Spence of Christie and Co is handling the sale, noting its strong income potential. The hotel has development potential as a wellness retreat or boutique lodge. Regional hotel market demand is rising, driven by the staycation trend.

🏨 Wheelock Street Capital and HEI Hotels & Resorts have acquired the Cavalier Resort in Virginia Beach, which includes the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club (85 rooms), Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort (305 rooms), and Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort (157 rooms), covering over 15 acres. Originally built in 1927 and renovated in 2018, the resort was developed by Bruce Thompson with an $85 million restoration. It features nine restaurants, a beach club, and six pools.

💵 American Express agreed to buy TheFork, Tripadvisor's European restaurant-reservation platform, for $700 million on June 15, 2026. TheFork operates across 50,000 restaurants in 11 countries, generating $232 million in revenue over 12 months. Amex's acquisitions, including Resy in 2019 and Tock in 2024, expand its dining network to 75,000 venues. This strategic move enhances Amex's position in dining discovery, aligning with cardmember engagement trends, with dining spend growing over 20% in Q4.

🏖 Club Med and VICI Properties plan to redevelop Carambola Beach Resort in St. Croix, USVI. Following VICI's acquisition, they will lease to Club Med for a 150-key resort. Originally built in 1986, the renovation aligns with sustainability goals, targeting BREEAM and Green Globe certifications. Expected to begin in summer 2026, reopening is set for Q4 2027. The project aims to create around 200 direct jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.