Mergers & Acquisitions

📰 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.

🏨 Meliá Hotels International and Banca March have expanded their partnership by acquiring the Sol Tenerife and Innside Palma Bosque hotels in Spain. The hotels, totaling 784 rooms, will be renovated starting in 2025-2026 with a €50 million investment as part of a €140 million deal. Banca March owns 70% of the venture, with Meliá holding 30%. This move aligns with their strategy to enhance property value and profitability in key Spanish destinations.

🏨 H10 Hotels acquired the Juliana Paris, now The One Alma Paris, in the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower. The hotel offers 40 rooms and suites with luxury amenities. It features a panoramic restaurant, wellness area with a pool, sauna, hammam, gym, and treatment room. This acquisition strengthens H10's European presence, adding to properties in London, Rome, Venice, Lisbon, and Berlin.

📈 Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs reported a slight revenue drop of 0.9% to €802.1 million in H1 2024/2025 due to a shift in school holidays. Adjusted EBITDA was -€40.3 million, but they aim for over €180 million for the year. Customer satisfaction rose across brands, with improvements of up to 6 points. The group plans to expand with six new sites in Spain and Andorra by 2025 and will open its first Scandinavian resort in Denmark on June 20, 2025.

🏠 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.