Expanding its global portfolio, Grand Metropolitan Hotels
(GMH) has announced the takeover of Signature Hotels.
The
acquisition will expand the hotel management company’s footprint across the
UK, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and India. Signature Hotels currently
operates boutique and upper-midscale properties throughout London with two
additional properties opening during the next year. Signature also has two properties
under development in India.
Grand Metropolitan Hotels’ plan is to integrate Signature
Hotels’ operational and management teams into its existing structure, ensuring
a seamless transition and continued focus on service excellence. The Signature
Hotels brand will remain part of the GMH portfolio and further developed as a
boutique lifestyle label within the group’s expanding ecosystem of independent
hotel brands.
“Signature Hotels offers a powerful combination of local
credibility and international ambition,” said Martin R. Smura, Founder and
Chairman of Grand Metropolitan Hotels in a statement. “London remains one of
the most competitive hospitality markets in the world, and Signature’s
operational strength there, coupled with its ties to India, provides GMH with
an immediate and meaningful platform for growth.”
Ramesh Arora, current CEO of Signature Hotels group, will be
retained as Supervisory Board Member for the Grand Metropolitan Hotels. With
over four decades of international experience across Asia, the Middle East, and
Europe, Arora has been recognized with numerous accolades including Hotelier of
the Year by PATA and the Lifetime Contribution to Hotels and Tourism award by
Stardust.
“This partnership brings together two family
businesses with aligned values and a shared belief in hospitality as a
force for good,” said Ramesh Arora. “By joining GMH, we strengthen our ability
to grow internationally while staying true to our purpose of delivering
authentic, locally inspired experiences.”
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