Private equity firm Blackstone has finalized the acquisition of British hotel operator Village Hotels, marking a strategic move into the flourishing hospitality sector. The deal, confirmed by Blackstone underscores a growing investor interest in leisure properties amidst a robust recovery in the commercial real estate market.
Blackstone, through funds managed by the firm, has purchased Village Hotels, which operates a network of 33 mid-market hotels across various British cities and suburbs. The acquisition is expected to bolster Blackstone's presence in the UK leisure market, following its successful 2021 acquisition of holiday park-owner Bourne Leisure.
James Seppala, Head of Real Estate Europe at Blackstone, expressed optimism about the investment, stating, "We see great potential in lodging and leisure as a sector." This acquisition aligns with Blackstone's broader strategy to capitalize on the recovery and growth opportunities within the hospitality industry.
Although financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, earlier reports by Sky News suggested that Village Hotels was valued at approximately ?850 million ($1.1 billion) during the sale process. The transaction was advised by Lazard and Santander on behalf of Blackstone, while Morgan Stanley represented Village Hotels' previous owner, KSL Capital Partners.
The acquisition of Village Hotels adds to Blackstone's portfolio of hospitality assets in the UK, positioning the firm strategically in a sector poised for continued expansion. As global travel rebounds and consumer spending on leisure experiences increases, investments in hospitality are increasingly attractive to financial investors looking for stable returns in a post-pandemic economy.
