Mergers & Acquisitions

🏡 Whitbread PLC plans to convert Capital House in Edinburgh into a 195-room Premier Inn hotel, with an integrated restaurant and bar. Submitted on 2 May 2025, the £21 million project is expected to host 56,000 guests annually, generating £8.1 million in visitor spending, benefiting local businesses and creating over 30 new jobs. Whitbread's Edinburgh hotels already accommodate nearly one million visitors, contributing £32 million annually, while the company aims for 125,000 rooms UK-wide.

🏡 Momento Capital and Mata Capital partnered to acquire a majority stake in Roof, a French student-housing operator, to create a large-scale student housing platform amid France's housing shortage. They plan to invest up to €150 million for over 1,000 student units, with €20 million in equity and €50 million in debt already committed. Their strategy includes transforming buildings into community-oriented residences with amenities like coworking spaces and gyms, aiming for rapid expansion and addressing both investors' and students' needs.

🏡 BWH Hotels acquired seven UK independent hotels, including the 100-room Best Western Sheffield City and 37-bedroom Best Western Ebbw Vale. The luxury segment saw the addition of the 32-bedroom Forty Seven in Manchester with Asha's Restaurant, and the 36-room Velvet Hotel Bar and Brasserie to its WorldHotels Crafted collection. The Kings Arms in Christchurch joined WorldHotels Distinctive, while the 41-room Lakeland Kendal in Cumbria and Casa hotel in Yateley, Hampshire became part of the Sure Hotel Collection. BWH Hotels aims to add 100 properties in five years, seeking 20,000 UK rooms by 2029.

💰 Ritesh Agarwal, holding 30% of Oyo Hotels' capital, faced a 3rd IPO block by SoftBank, a 40% stakeholder, possibly delayed until 2026. Valuation once near $12 billion in 2021, SoftBank aims for a profitable exit. Agarwal borrowed $2.2 billion, backed by SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, with repayments due by year's end. Oyo's Q1 sales rose 60% to $250 million, targeting a $100 million net profit by year-end, potentially doubling by 2026. SoftBank might extend the loan repayment deadline for Agarwal's patience.

🏘 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.