Mergers & Acquisitions

💸 Aareal Bank refinanced Carbonleo for the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal. Aareal, based in Germany, acted as arranger, facility agent, and security agent. Carbonleo, founded by Andrew Lutfy in 2012, develops mixed-use real estate. The 169-room hotel, opened in 2019 in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, holds a five-key eco-rating. Antoine Bernier from Carbonleo and Bettina Graef-Parker from Aareal praised the partnership's focus on sustainable luxury in urban markets.

📰 June 5, 2025, Josiah Mackenzie presented at the NYU International Hotel Investment Forum in New York. He emphasized that hospitality profits should focus on investments rather than solely on cost-cutting strategies. Mackenzie shared ideas from a panel discussion, suggesting that strategic investments can significantly benefit businesses and the communities they serve. For more insights, listen to the episode and consider applying these concepts in your teams.

🏠 Arc of Soma: The Lagoon Edition in Somabay, Egypt, launched its residential sales. The project offers 110 units, with one to three-bedroom options ranging from 76 to 151 sqm. Prices start at £123,606. Residents can enjoy amenities like golf, diving, and spa facilities. CEO Ibrahim El Missiri emphasizes the new standard of waterfront living. Nearby hotels include Kempinski and Sheraton.

🏰 Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa, a five-star luxury destination in Pitlochry, Scotland, joined the Elegant Hotel Collection in 2025. Built in 1892, this 42-room establishment is known for its rich history and modern elegance. As part of the Crerar Hotels Group and powered by HotelREZ, it aims to enhance its presence in the UK and USA. The hotel is celebrated for its uniqueness and commitment to authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability.

💰 Queensgate sold Generator's European operations to Brookfield for €776 million, including 15 assets and 2,749 rooms across Europe. Queensgate retains US properties and Freehand Hotels. Alastair Thomann left Generator in January 2025 to join Brookfield-owned edyn. Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc. advised Queensgate, while Kirkland & Ellis and others advised Brookfield. Queensgate acquired Generator in 2017 for €450 million.

🏘 Grand Metropolitan Hotels expands into Croatia by acquiring Plant Villas on Pag Island, now operating under Brioni Hotels brand. This expansion furthers the company's international growth and commitment to bespoke experiences, quality, and service. The villas, surrounded by nature, offer views of the Adriatic Sea and Velebit mountains, featuring unique architecture and an aromatherapy experience with the immortelle plant. Brioni Hotels provides tailored luxury, privacy, personal chefs, wellness programs, and secure transfers for discerning guests.

🏨 Hotel Equities and Springboard Hospitality announced a strategic merger effective May 1, creating a company with a broad portfolio across the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Ben Rafter is the new CEO, Brad Rahinsky becomes chairman, and Al Smith is the COO. The merged entity offers services including operations, revenue management, and food and beverage strategy. Further announcements on key hires and services are expected in the coming months.

🏨 Hotel Equities and Springboard Hospitality announced their strategic merger effective May 1, creating a major hotel management company. The merged entity will manage properties across the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America, including urban, resort, and outdoor destinations. Ben Rafter, former CEO of Springboard, becomes CEO of the new company, while Brad Rahinsky, ex-president and CEO of Hotel Equities, is the chairman. The combined company promises tailored strategies, operational expertise, and a focus on revenue generation and technology innovation. Al Smith takes on the COO role, and Rob Robinson becomes president of Springboard Hospitality. The merger blends Hotel Equities’ operational excellence and North American presence with Springboard’s entrepreneurial spirit and West Coast and Hawaii market expertise.

🏨 Hotel Equities and Springboard Hospitality announced a strategic merger effective May 1, with Ben Rafter as CEO and Brad Rahinsky as chairman. The merged company will manage a diverse portfolio across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. They will offer services in operations, revenue management, marketing, and more. Details on key hires and services will be announced in the coming months as the company approaches a new growth phase.

🏨 Mandarin Oriental invests in flagship hotels in Hong Kong and Bangkok. Hong Kong renovation: $100 million, begins Q2 2025, ends 2026; Bangkok renovation: completes late 2025 before 150th anniversary in 2026. Revamps include guest rooms, dining venues with Michelin-starred chefs, and a wellness club. Both hotels to stay operational during updates.