Mergers & Acquisitions

🏨 Emily Goldfischer interviews Barbara Muckermann, CEO of Kempinski Hotels, in the latest episode of *Hospitality Daily*. Barbara discusses her first year leading Kempinski, the world’s oldest luxury hotel brand, reflecting on lessons from her cruise industry career. She reveals insights into Kempinski’s culture, emphasizing an asset-heavy growth approach and future positioning. Hospitality leaders will gain new perspectives on service and strategy in a competitive market.

💰 In 2024 and the first half of 2025, luxury boutique hotels saw record-breaking ADRs at $1,540 and $1,575, respectively. Occupancy rates soared into the 60s and 70s. While room revenues at economy motels fell by -0.5% in Q2, -1.1% in July, and -1.1% in August, luxury hotels like Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc commanded peak rates of €3,500+. With high demand, capital is abundant for top-tier properties, making them highly attractive investment opportunities.

🛑 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council launched a £1 million grant scheme on 15 September 2025 to enhance hotel capacity. This initiative aims to address the shortage of hotel rooms, despite 1.25 million overnight stays in 2024. The scheme requires projects to add at least 15 three-star rooms, with eligible businesses operating for three years. Drop-in sessions are on 23 September in Downpatrick and Newry, and an online workshop on 30 September.

🏨 Global Mutual has launched Global Mutual Hotels following the acquisition of Okami Hospitality Partners. As of now, the platform manages €500 million in assets, totaling 1,000 keys, with another 1,000 keys in development in Spain and Portugal. Expansion plans include the USA, Middle East, and Asia. Managing Director Ritchie Gardiner noted the volatile macro environment presents opportunities, while Javier Batlle emphasized the strengthened potential through Global Mutual’s strategic capabilities.

🏠 Bain Capital acquired the Pullman Montparnasse hotel in Paris from Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield with Columbia Threadneedle and QuinSpark for an undisclosed amount. Signed on 17 September, it's among France's largest hotel transactions. Built in 1974, the 957-room, 32-storey hotel had a €216m refurbishment in 2021. Located in the 14th district, it features conference space, restaurants, and a sky bar. Plans include energy efficiency upgrades to comply with the French Tertiary Decree.

🏨 Zeus International Hotels & Resorts acquires Eretria Hotel & Spa Resort in Evia, Greece, enhancing its Greek market presence with this coastal property. The resort offers renovated rooms, private pools, wellness facilities, and diverse dining options. With this acquisition, Zeus International manages over 4,000 rooms across Greece, Italy, Romania, and Cyprus. CEO Haris Siganos aims to transform it into a flagship destination, emphasizing guest experience and high-quality investments.

🏨 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.

💰 Japan’s Seibu Prince acquires Ace Group for $90 million. The deal, first reported by Bloomberg, is expected to close on September 30, 2023. Ace Hotels, founded in Seattle in 1999, operates eight hotels globally, including New York, Brooklyn, Palm Springs, and more, with a new hotel slated for Fukuoka, Japan. Seibu Prince aims for 250 hotels by 2035. SPW and Ace will manage 94 hotels worldwide, with seven more planned. Ace founder Alex Calderwood passed away in 2013.

🏨 JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group arranged a $53 million refinancing for The Morrow Hotel, a 203-room property in Washington, D.C.’s NoMa district, owned by Trammell Crow Company and MetLife Investment Management with Peachtree Group financing. Opened in November 2022, it features 203 guestrooms and nearly 11,600 square feet of event space. Chef Marcus Samuelsson leads its culinary program. Located conveniently near Union Market and the U.S. Capitol, the hotel benefits from Washington, D.C.'s diverse economic base.

🏨 B+B Edinburgh, a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse hotel, is for sale in Edinburgh’s West End for over £5 million. Located on Rothesay Terrace, it's a 10-minute walk from key landmarks like Edinburgh Castle. The hotel features 27 luxury rooms, a 60-person restaurant, a bar, and more. Managed by the B+B Collection, it has been profitable since its 2011 acquisition, maintaining strong occupancy due to its prime location and renovations that blend Georgian charm with modern amenities.