Mergers & Acquisitions

🏠 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, 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.

📈 Dalata reported a 5% decline in adjusted EBITDA due to lower RevPAR and inflation costs, with a €19.6 million profit after tax. Free cash flow is strong at €45.7 million. New acquisitions include Clayton Hotels in Berlin and Madrid. Dalata plans to add over 1,000 rooms globally. Assets are valued at €1.8 billion. The proposed acquisition by Pandox offers €6.45 per share, a 49.7% premium, pending shareholder approval on September 11, 2025.

🏠 Real estate investment group DoveHill acquired the historic White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine, part of Auberge Resorts. Opened in the 1970s, it's 90 minutes from Boston and comprises 13 rooms, 8 junior suites, 1 studio suite, 5 cottage suites, and "The Cora Houseboat." The inn is famous for its luxury spa and culinary excellence. DoveHill, through its Opportunity Fund 2, targets unique, irreplaceable properties, focusing on iconic and high-barrier-to-entry markets. Auberge Resorts will continue management.

💸 Irish property investor Paddy McKillen awarded over £700m in a dispute with Qatari owners of London's luxury hotels Claridge’s, the Berkeley, and the Connaught. The 2015 consultancy agreement entitled McKillen to 36% of hotel value increase, estimated at £6bn. The London Court of International Arbitration's ruling suggests hotel values were between £4bn and £4.25bn. Partnership ended in 2022, with investors disputing asset coverage. Both parties can challenge, but successful appeals are rare.

🏨 Castle Hotel in Tamworth, a Grade II listed property from the 17th century, was sold by Watling Real Estate. Closed since January 2025, it has 20 ensuite bedrooms, two event suites, an 80-seat restaurant, and a bar. The former nightclub received 2022 planning consent to convert into two apartments. Located near Tamworth Castle, the 20,409 sq ft site will be refurbished and reopened by a private investor, promising new jobs and visitors.

📈 Founded in 2021, Ennismore manages 180+ hotels and 500 bars/restaurants across 16 brands. In 2022, Accor sold 10.8% to a Qatari consortium for €185M, valuing Ennismore at €2B. Accor holds 62% and might list Ennismore, aligning with its simplification strategy. Expansion plans include openings in Nashville, Chicago, Mexico City, Zurich, and Sydney. Competitive lifestyle segment sees Accor leading against Marriott, Hilton, and others. RevPAR for Accor's lifestyle hotels grew by 9.9% in H1 2025.