Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 Aareal Bank financed Pullman Paris Montparnasse with Bain Capital, Columbia Threadneedle, and QuinSpark. The 34-story hotel in the 14th Arrondissement features 957 rooms, two restaurants, a sky bar, and 5,000 square meters of meeting space. The financing covers acquisition, guest upgrades, and sustainability efforts, following renovations from 2017 to 2021. Michelle Weiss emphasized Paris's allure and the property's long-term value, while Marc-Olivier Assouline praised Aareal's swift and confident underwriting.

💸 Ace entered sale negotiations with Sortis Holdings in early 2023, intending to sell for USD $85 million, but the deal fell through due to lost contracts and legal issues. Now, Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide is acquiring Ace for USD $90 million, set to close by September 2025. Ace will stay independent within SPW's 94-hotel portfolio, with seven more in the pipeline. This highlights the trend of boutique hotels being absorbed by larger groups.

🏨 Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the sale and financing of the 131-room Courtyard Memphis Collierville in Collierville, Tennessee, on September 12, 2025. The hotel, sold by Southern Hospitality LLC to a Texas investor, recently underwent renovations. An $8.7 million bridge loan was secured for the buyer. Located near retail, business, and leisure sites, the property features 1,624 square feet of meeting space, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

💰 Seren hotel group in Wales partners with Wrightwood Investments for the refurbishment of the Penmaenuchaf hotel in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Wrightwood, a global private equity firm, secures minority shareholding to aid Seren's venue development and new acquisitions. Neil Kedward, Seren's CEO, and Henry Engelhardt, Wrightwood's director, emphasize exceptional service and Welsh hospitality. This collaboration aims to enhance the Seren experience and promote Welsh culture.

🏨 Emily Goldfischer interviews Barbara Muckermann, CEO of Kempinski Hotels, in the latest episode of *Hospitality Daily*. Barbara discusses her first year leading Kempinski, the world’s oldest luxury hotel brand, reflecting on lessons from her cruise industry career. She reveals insights into Kempinski’s culture, emphasizing an asset-heavy growth approach and future positioning. Hospitality leaders will gain new perspectives on service and strategy in a competitive market.

💰 In 2024 and the first half of 2025, luxury boutique hotels saw record-breaking ADRs at $1,540 and $1,575, respectively. Occupancy rates soared into the 60s and 70s. While room revenues at economy motels fell by -0.5% in Q2, -1.1% in July, and -1.1% in August, luxury hotels like Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc commanded peak rates of €3,500+. With high demand, capital is abundant for top-tier properties, making them highly attractive investment opportunities.

🛑 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council launched a £1 million grant scheme on 15 September 2025 to enhance hotel capacity. This initiative aims to address the shortage of hotel rooms, despite 1.25 million overnight stays in 2024. The scheme requires projects to add at least 15 three-star rooms, with eligible businesses operating for three years. Drop-in sessions are on 23 September in Downpatrick and Newry, and an online workshop on 30 September.

🏨 Global Mutual has launched Global Mutual Hotels following the acquisition of Okami Hospitality Partners. As of now, the platform manages €500 million in assets, totaling 1,000 keys, with another 1,000 keys in development in Spain and Portugal. Expansion plans include the USA, Middle East, and Asia. Managing Director Ritchie Gardiner noted the volatile macro environment presents opportunities, while Javier Batlle emphasized the strengthened potential through Global Mutual’s strategic capabilities.

🏠 Bain Capital acquired the Pullman Montparnasse hotel in Paris from Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield with Columbia Threadneedle and QuinSpark for an undisclosed amount. Signed on 17 September, it's among France's largest hotel transactions. Built in 1974, the 957-room, 32-storey hotel had a €216m refurbishment in 2021. Located in the 14th district, it features conference space, restaurants, and a sky bar. Plans include energy efficiency upgrades to comply with the French Tertiary Decree.

🏨 Zeus International Hotels & Resorts acquires Eretria Hotel & Spa Resort in Evia, Greece, enhancing its Greek market presence with this coastal property. The resort offers renovated rooms, private pools, wellness facilities, and diverse dining options. With this acquisition, Zeus International manages over 4,000 rooms across Greece, Italy, Romania, and Cyprus. CEO Haris Siganos aims to transform it into a flagship destination, emphasizing guest experience and high-quality investments.