Mergers & Acquisitions

💸 China Merchants Commercial REIT acquired Habyt Austin Avenue for HKD206 million in Hong Kong, priced at HKD7.1 million per key. The 19-storey building, near Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will be transformed into student housing with 85 beds. One REIT Inc purchased Candeo Hotels in Kyoto for JPY4.8 billion, a 7% discount. Gaw Capital bought a Queenstown site for NZD31 million. EVT acquired QT Auckland for NZD87.5 million and sold Rydges Geelong for AUD24.5 million.

🏨 Portman, in 2025, executed over $680 million in hospitality financing, including a $237.5 million refinancing of Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City. The financing strategy included a SASB CMBS loan while retaining an existing CPACE loan. Last summer, Portman acquired the 456-room Westin Cincinnati. Their portfolio spans seven hotels across five markets, with over 3,000 rooms and $1 billion in assets. Portman aims to expand strategically amid increasing consumer spending and demand in the hotel industry.

💸 Cronheim Hotel Capital secured a $13.2M loan for the Comfort Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites in Woodbridge, NJ. The five-year fixed-rate loan, in the low-6% range, includes 18 months interest-only. Located less than 20 minutes from Newark Airport and 40 minutes from NYC, the area hosts companies like Amazon and Merck. The loan supports converting Comfort Suites to TownePlace Suites and a Property Improvement Plan for Fairfield Inn, balancing construction risk and long-term value.

🏨 Nottingham Belfry Hotel and Spa offered for sale after administration. Located on Mellors Way, near Nottingham city center, it features 120 bedrooms and event capacity for 700. Spa has 600 members with facilities like a pool and sauna. The hotel continues operations, retaining staff and honoring bookings. Matt Hill of Christie and Co manages the sale, with a bid deadline of 26 January 2026.

💰 HBX Group plans to return up to €100 million to shareholders via a share buy-back, pending approval at the AGM next month. The buy-back will be executed by Bank of America during FY26 and FY27. Regular dividends will begin in FY 2026 with a 20% annual payout ratio, subject to profits and reserves. CEO Nicolas Huss cites a strong financial profile and confidence in the Group’s strategy as motivations for this initiative.

🏨 Portman executed over $680 million in hospitality financing in 2025, reducing its portfolio’s interest rate by 150 basis points. Key transactions included the $237.5 million refinancing of Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City and acquiring the 456-room Westin Cincinnati. Portman manages seven hotels with over 3,000 rooms, valued at $1 billion. The firm aims to expand in major U.S. markets, emphasizing long-term returns and strategic acquisitions.

🏨 An affiliate of Flacks Group acquired the 182-room DoubleTree by Hilton Augusta in Augusta, Georgia, selecting StepStone Hospitality for management. The hotel offers 12,000 sq. ft. of event space and multiple dining options. Flacks Group plans a $12 million investment for renovations. The hotel is near the Augusta National Golf Club and benefits from golf tourism, especially during the Masters Tournament. The acquisition highlights Flacks Group's commitment to the Augusta market and guest experience.

🏨 ATLANTA, Georgia—In 2025, Access Point Financial (APF) closed and invested about $1.6 billion in hotel financings, covering 49 hotel assets, including select-service, extended-stay, and luxury properties. The smallest financing was a $7.1 million SpringHill Suites in Ohio, while the largest was a $195 million refinance of the Beekman Thompson in New York. APF’s portfolio spans 38 states, with hotels primarily affiliated with Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt. APF remains a key capital partner for hospitality.

🏠 RobertDouglas facilitated the sale of Hyatt Place Page in Page, Arizona, for $24.25 million, translating to $238,000 per room. Acquired by a Salt Lake City owner/operator, this 102-key hotel was constructed in 2018, surpassing Hyatt's standards. Managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, the property features a restaurant, adventure concierge, and art installations. It serves as a prime lodging option near the Grand Canyon, attracting over 5 million visitors annually.