Mergers & Acquisitions

📊 Forwrd.ai acquires LoudnClear.ai, expanding its no-code data science automation capabilities for RevOps. The merger adds integrations with Salesforce Service Cloud, Zendesk, and Intercom. Kobi Stok, CEO of Forwrd.ai, highlights seamless creation of predictive models without data science teams. Organizations spent $104 Billion in 2023 on data science, with the market expected to grow to $776 Billion by 2032. The AI-driven platform aims to solve costly complexities in data science projects, where 87% fail.

🤓 Forwrd.ai acquires LoudnClear.ai to enhance its no code data science automation for RevOps. This move adds customer service AI and data enrichment capabilities, integrating with platforms like Salesforce Service Cloud and Zendesk. RevOps leaders can now build predictive models without data science teams. AI-based analytics are crucial as data science complexities led to $104 billion in organizational costs in 2023, with the data science platform market expected to reach $776 billion by 2032.

📌 In Washington, D.C., JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group announced the sale and financing of the Home2 Suites by Hilton North Scottsdale, a 130-room hotel, in December 2022. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, the hotel offers amenities such as a fitness center, outdoor pool, 500 square feet of meeting space, and is near Grayhawk Golf Club and Scottsdale Airport SCF. JLL managed the sale and loan acquisition, with teams led by Ketan Patel and Melvin Chu for Investment Sales and Advisory, and Adrienne Andrews for Debt Advisory.

🏨 Snaptrip Group, including LateRooms, Snaptrip, and Dog Friendly Cottages, acquired The Hotel Guru, an international hotel website, for a seven-figure sum. The Hotel Guru, known for prioritizing guest experience and having a significant presence in the US, will help Snaptrip Group expand globally. Matt Fox, CEO of Snaptrip Group, aims to make it the go-to accommodation platform in the UK and beyond. Hugh Graham-Watson remains The Hotel Guru's MD post-acquisition. Snaptrip Group has been backed by Bestport Private Equity and Forward Partners, aggressively growing since 2017 with acquisitions like Last Minute Cottages Ltd and LateRooms.

🏨 Mumford Company, a hotel brokerage, reported a robust first half of 2024 sales performance, with several deals closing in Q2. Recent transactions encompass properties across the United States, including locations in Virginia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas. Key assets sold range from Holiday Inn and TownePlace Suites to Best Western and Motel 6. With offices in Georgia, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., Mumford Company's extensive industry relationships contribute to a strong pipeline for the remainder of the year.

✈ Juniper Travel Technology acquired Lleego, a flight management and booking software firm. The acquisition strengthens Juniper's portfolio, allowing for the creation of Juniper Flights by Lleego. This move promises expanded market opportunities and a more comprehensive flight distribution platform for travel agencies and tour operators. CEOs Juan Mateos and Jaime Sastre emphasize innovation and market leadership, while Aurelio Pérez looks forward to growth and expansion through this partnership.

🚀 Numa Group, a European fully digitalised hospitality platform, has acquired lifestyle aparthotel brand Native Places from Native Holdings. The financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.

🏨 Room Mate Hospitality & Leisure acquired Staying Valencia's 10 boutique hotels and aparthotels in Spain's Valencia, expanding its portfolio to 32 properties across Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the U.K., and Turkey. Advisors included Clifford Chance, Perez Llorca, JLL, PwC, Arcadis, and JJL. The acquisition follows Room Mate's purchase of The Lime Tree Hotel in London (November 2023) and the opening of Palazzo Dei Fiori in Venice. Post-acquisition by TPG Angelo Gordon and Westmont Hospitality in July 2022, Room Mate targets an EBITDA of €40 million ($43.33 million) by 2025.

🍻 After two unsuccessful attempts, Carlsberg will acquire Britvic for £3.3 billion, paying 1,290p per share and a 25p special dividend to Britvic shareholders. The completion is expected in Q4, leading to a new entity, Carlsberg Britvic. This follows Carlsberg's deal to buy Marston’s 40% stake in their joint venture for £206m. Carlsberg aims to enhance its UK market position by combining strong beer and soft drink portfolios, including Britvic brands like Fruit Shoot and Pepsi.

🏡 Ibis Styles hotel on Waterloo Street, Glasgow, obtained a £5m refinancing from Assetz Capital, specializing in SME commercial property and residential development loans.