Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 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.

💰 Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc., based in Dallas, Texas, announced the initiation of a sale process. A special committee of independent directors determined a sale would maximize shareholder value. Ashford Inc. agreed to a $480 million fee upon a change of control. An initial $17 million was paid, credited against the sale fee if completed by July 1, 2028. Buyers must assume existing management agreements or pay $25 million for cancellation. Baird is the financial advisor; no sale deadline is set.

💰 Braemar Hotels & Resorts, a US-based real estate investment trust, has initiated a sales process. As of 2025, Braemar oversees 14 luxury hotels, including nine resorts and five urban properties under brands like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons. A $480 million sale fee has been negotiated with Ashford Inc, with $17 million advanced. Buyers must assume existing management agreements, or cancel for $25 million. The company aims to maximize shareholder value amid favorable market conditions.

🏘️ Mazzard Farm, a holiday cottage complex in East Hill, Ottery St Mary, is listed for sale at £1,995,000. The estate, marketed by Savills, includes a 17th-century Devon longhouse, five holiday cottages, and a one-bedroom annex. Known for sustainability, it was awarded the Most Ethical Business at the 2023 South West Tourism Awards. Originally purchased in 2007, the business boasts strong profitability with a 90% direct booking rate. Potential for expansion is available, pending planning permission.