Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 Belton Woods Hotel in Lincolnshire completed a £250,000 refurbishment of the Oaks Suite, enhancing its events space. With upgrades like new lighting, digital signage, and a redesigned lobby, the venue aims to strengthen its position in the meetings and events sector. Part of the QHotels Collection, Belton Woods, near Grantham, now boasts greater flexibility for corporate and social events, adding to its Venue Verdict Gold Standard Award credentials since 2017.

🏨 UK, March 2025: The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa, a 33-bedroom hotel in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, was acquired by Rockcliffe Hall for an undisclosed amount after entering administration. The hotel continues operations, with employees retained under existing terms. The legal transition was managed by Womble Bond Dickinson, while PKF Littlejohn administered the sale. Oliver Collinge and Liz Sapsted ensured a smooth ownership transfer, commended by Rockcliffe Hall.

🏨 Rockliffe Hall acquired the Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa, a 33-bedroom boutique hotel in Helmsley, North Yorkshire. The transaction was handled by administrators PKF Littlejohn, selling assets to The Feversham Arms (2025) Limited. Employees retain their roles under current terms. Legal work was managed by Womble Bond Dickinson in Newcastle and Colliers' UK hotels agency team. Oliver Collinge and Liz Sapsted facilitated the smooth transition for Rockliffe Hall, known for its five-star resort in County Durham.

🏨 Ardencote, a 110-room luxury hotel in Warwickshire, was sold to Barons Eden. Originally built in 1862, it spans 83 acres and includes an 18-hole golf course, spa, and leisure facilities. Barons Eden, a luxury hotel and spa group established in 1989, plans significant investment for development. The hotel was brokered by Knight Frank, representing the Huckerby family. Ardencote's strategic location offers access to the M40, M5, and Birmingham International Airport within 25 minutes.

🏨 McKibbon Equities acquired SpringHill Suites Tampa Westshore Airport, located in Tampa's Westshore Business District. The hotel offers 149 guestrooms and over 1,800 sq ft of meeting space. It's equipped with a pool, fitness center, and provides breakfast, parking, and airport shuttles. This is McKibbon’s 14th hotel in Tampa Bay and 94th nationwide. Synovus Bank financed the deal, and Bryce Cherko of Cherko Fusco Realty represented the seller.

🏨 Ouse Bridge House, a 12-bedroom guest house located on the north shore of Bassenthwaite Lake near Keswick, is on sale for £875,000. Operated by the Richardson family since 2021, the Victorian property features period details like bay windows and high ceilings. Nine bedrooms serve guests, offering scenic lake views. Graham Wilkinson from Christie and Co highlights its appeal as a lifestyle business near Keswick with excellent reviews.

🏨 Terra Firma Capital Partners, founded by Guy Hands and now run by his son Richard, is eyeing a bid for Hotel Du Vin and Malmaison, as reported by Sky News. These two chains operate 37 hotels across 27 UK cities and are owned by Singapore-based Frasers Hospitality Group, which acquired them for over £360m in 2015. Cushman and Wakefield is managing the auction, with Fortress Investment Group as another potential bidder.

🏠 Kuoni's parent company, Dertour Group, finalized the acquisition of four business units of Hotelplan Group after approval by the Swiss Competition Commission. The deal, excluding Interhome, covers travel retail and tour operations in Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. Joe Ponte, Hotelplan UK's CEO, exits in September, with Francis Torrilla leading the expanded group. With 180 companies and 13,000 employees, Dertour Group adds brands like Explore Worldwide and Inghams, enhancing its UK presence.

🏨 Essendi has acquired full ownership of the 259-room ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, in Edinburgh, UK. Essendi, which already operated the hotel, now controls the underlying real estate, aiming to enhance portfolio value and efficiency in the economy and midscale segments. The acquisition includes additional tenants: a second hotel, café, supermarket, and bar. This move aligns with Essendi's strategy to own high-performing assets and improve operational margins across Europe.