Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 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.

🏨 Sutton Hotel Collection is investing £9.5 million to refurbish The Castle Hotel Windsor, located opposite Windsor Castle. The project begins in November 2025, with completion by late 2026. The redesign includes bedrooms, suites, the ground floor, and a new British brasserie concept. 3DReid will lead the interior design. The plan aims to reposition the hotel in the Windsor market and enhance the visitor experience, capitalizing on the 12 million tourists visiting Windsor annually.

🏨 CBRE announces the sale of the International Hotel Killarney, Ireland, priced at £15.5-17.3 million (€18–20 million). This rare opportunity marks the first major Killarney hotel sale in nearly a decade. Owned by the Coyne family since 1976, the hotel features 98 rooms, a bar, restaurant, and event spaces. Located near Killarney National Park, it is free from branding ties, allowing flexibility for new owners. Strong interest is expected from domestic and international buyers.

🍿 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, with over 550 locations in the U.S. and Canada, has been acquired by investment funds affiliated with Rhône, a global private equity firm. Previously owned by Thompson Street Capital Partners, Freddy's generates over $1 billion in annual system-wide sales. Current executives, including President & CEO Chris Dull, will continue to lead. Acquisition terms remain undisclosed. The brand upholds its commitment to quality products and hospitality.

🍪 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers was acquired by Rhône, a global private equity firm, from Thompson Street Capital Partners. The fast-casual brand operates over 550 locations across the U.S. and Canada, generating over $1 billion in system-wide sales last year. The executive team, led by President & CEO Chris Dull, remains unchanged. Terms of the acquisition are undisclosed.

🗺 ATG Travel Worldwide has acquired CWT’s business travel operations in Germany, enhancing its European market presence. The acquisition results in the formation of ATG Business Travel Management, GmbH. This entity will function independently in Germany, focusing on local leadership and operations. ATG, active in over 150 countries, aims to leverage local expertise for growth. This strategic move supports ATG's long-term international expansion and strengthens its foothold in Germany's business travel sector.

🏨 UK, March 2025: The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa, a 33-bedroom hotel in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, was acquired by Rockcliffe Hall for an undisclosed amount after entering administration. The hotel continues operations, with employees retained under existing terms. The legal transition was managed by Womble Bond Dickinson, while PKF Littlejohn administered the sale. Oliver Collinge and Liz Sapsted ensured a smooth ownership transfer, commended by Rockcliffe Hall.

🏠 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.