Mergers & Acquisitions

💸 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.

💰 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.

🛑 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.

🏨 Japan's Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide (SPW) will acquire Ace Group International, including Ace Hotel and Atelier Ace, for USD $90 million. The deal, via SPW's US subsidiary Ace Hotels Worldwide Inc., closes by September 2025. Ace Hotel will retain brand independence under SPW’s division. Ace operates eight hotels, including New York and Kyoto, with future openings like Ace Hotel Fukuoka in 2027. Post-acquisition, SPW and Ace will manage 94 hotels globally.

🏨 B+B Edinburgh, a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse hotel, is for sale in Edinburgh’s West End for over £5 million. Located on Rothesay Terrace, it's a 10-minute walk from key landmarks like Edinburgh Castle. The hotel features 27 luxury rooms, a 60-person restaurant, a bar, and more. Managed by the B+B Collection, it has been profitable since its 2011 acquisition, maintaining strong occupancy due to its prime location and renovations that blend Georgian charm with modern amenities.

🏠 Global Mutual, a real estate investment firm, launched Global Mutual Hotels after acquiring Okami Hospitality Partners. Founded in 2008, Global Mutual manages a £5 billion portfolio. Global Mutual Hotels, with €500 million (£432 million) in assets, will operate in Europe, then expand to the USA, Middle East, and Asia. The platform aims to partner with investors for hotel acquisitions, leveraging Okami's expertise and Global Mutual’s capital strength to deliver attractive returns.