Mergers & Acquisitions

💵 KWHP, Ascendant Capital Partners, and Sotherly Hotels Inc. finalized a merger on January 22, 2026, acquiring all Sotherly shares at $2.25 each. Schulte Hospitality Group will manage Sotherly’s 10 hotels. The acquisition expands KWHP and Ascendant’s portfolios in Southeastern U.S. Apollo and Ascendant provided debt financing. The strategic move aims to enhance guest experiences through operational excellence and hospitality expertise.

📈 Grand Metropolitan Hotels plans to expand in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in Vietnam, where GDP growth exceeded 8% in 2025. Chairman Martin Smura and board member Philipp Rösler met Vietnam's Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính in Hanoi to discuss investment in tourism and hotel real estate. The company, operating in 46 countries, recently entered the UK market. Talks also included Sovico Group, which holds significant investments in aviation, finance, and real estate.

🏨 The Tankerville Arms Hotel in Wooler, at the edge of Northumberland National Park, will go to auction with a starting bid of £410k, down from its original £750k. The 18th Century hotel, spanning over 10,000 sq ft with 17 guest rooms, has been family-owned for over 40 years. It features a bar, 40-seat restaurant, and function room for 40. Located on the A697, it includes a car park and beer garden.

💵 MIAMI, February 2026 — MG Developer secured a $23 million refinancing loan from New York-based Interaudi Bank for the Regency Miami Airport by Sonesta, a five-story, 176-key hotel. Originally built in 1982, it offers amenities like a pool, bar, and fitness center. Nearby, the 131-acre Miami Freedom Park will enhance the area, while Inter Miami CF's new stadium, opening April 4, 2026, will boost hotel demand. The hotel is conveniently located near major transport links.

🏨 The Prince Rupert Hotel in Shrewsbury is for sale, priced over £6 million. Originally built in the 17th century, it was home to Prince Rupert. This Grade II* listed building features 70 en-suite bedrooms, two restaurants with 180 covers, and a tearoom. It also serves as a conference venue with multiple meeting spaces. Located centrally, it is near Shrewsbury Castle and the Shrewsbury Museum. Tom Cunningham from Savills Manchester is managing the sale.

🏨 In 2025, Chicago saw a 22% increase in global hotel transaction volumes from 2023, with the Americas leading at 27% growth. EMEA grew by 4%, while Asia Pacific declined 20%. Hotels accounted for 8% of global commercial real estate investments. 2026 forecasts include a 4.9% rise in global air passenger volumes, with 7.3% in Asia Pacific. Major events like the World Cup will boost demand, with substantial private equity activity expected due to favorable market conditions.

🏠 Deka Immobilien acquired the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, Austria, for €92 million, with 303 rooms. From April 2026, it rebrands to Hyatt Regency Vienna. Set Hotels purchased the 374-room Occidental Menorca, Spain, rebranding as Seth Punta Prima. Compagnie du Mont-Blanc and Beyond Places bought RockyPop Chamonix, France, with 148 rooms. Kingstone Real Estate took over Premier Inn Rosenheim, Germany, 145 rooms. BlackRock acquired Hotel Excelsior, Munich, Germany, 114 rooms. KKR, Baupost sold Delta Hotels Birmingham, UK, 106 rooms. RoundShield acquired Corinthia Lake Como, Italy, 58 rooms, opening in 2028.

🏨 Gencom acquired The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, a 253-key hotel, expanding its NYC presence. This marks Gencom's third luxury acquisition in NYC within 16 months, following the Thompson Central Park in 2024 and InterContinental New York Times Square in December 2025. Financed by Banco Inbursa, this is Gencom's 11th Ritz-Carlton project. Situated at Central Park South and Sixth Avenue, the hotel offers luxurious amenities, including Contour lounge, the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, and La Prairie Spa.

🎵 Mad Swans, a Longshot venture founded by Joel Cadbury and Oliver Vigors, secured a £10m loan from OakNorth to develop leisure sites in Mendips and South Downs. These sites will feature repurposed 12-hole golf courses, padel and pickleball courts, driving ranges, eco-cabins, and dining facilities. This marks their third deal with OakNorth, following previous collaborations on Beaverbrook and Bel and the Dragon. The project transforms underperforming golf clubs into wellness venues, enhancing the UK’s leisure landscape.