Fusion & Acquisition

🏦 HBX Group, a Spanish travel technology firm owning brands like Hotelbeds, plans an IPO worth approximately €1 billion ($1.04 billion) in the coming weeks, as per sources. Shareholders, including private equity firms Cinven and EQT, along with Canadian pension fund CPP Investments, consider listing on the Madrid Stock Exchange. Following a preparation period exceeding a year, HBX may file for the IPO as soon as next week. This IPO would be Europe's first in 2025 after a modest recovery in issuances the previous year. In 2024, European companies raised $19.3 billion in IPOs, up 18% from 2023, despite fewer issuances, according to LSEG data.

🏨 Maison Barbillon, acquired in 2019 with 2 stars, underwent a full transformation for repositioning as a 3-star boutique hotel. Renovations occurred in 2020, close to Grenoble's TGV station. Opened in January 2021, the 48-room hotel has seen continuous revenue growth, with EXTENDAM achieving a 15% Equity IRR from the sale. In July 2021, EXTENDAM invested in a 98-room hotel, now boasting the "By Georgette" concept with revamped common areas and a new restaurant in 2022. Located amid 120+ companies and 8,000 employees, the hotel aligns with local market demand and anticipates development, promising EXTENDAM a 14% IRR. Previously, in 2018, EXTENDAM partnered with DG Invest to construct a 68-room ibis Budget.

🏖️ Elux Groupe, a luxury custom travel company, acquires La Route des Voyages, enhancing its customer experience and expanding offerings to meet the demands of discerning travelers. With 30+ years in travel, La Route des Voyages brings 5 new agencies across France (Bordeaux, Lyon, Toulouse, Annecy, Angers), a Swiss subsidiary (Geneva), and valuable expertise. Both brands will maintain their identities, aiming to create more exclusive travel packages together.

📈 In 2024, the author of Hospitality Insiders experienced professional success with a 50% revenue growth and got married in September. Despite high activity, they took 41 vacation days and maintained regular sports activities. However, they aim to reduce their travel days (83 in total) in 2025, targeting a maximum of 5 travel days per month, with a focus on clients in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Delegation to experts proved successful, and the author plans to continue this and possibly get coaching. Emphasis will be on developing online training and customized offers for a limited clientele, prioritizing effective time management for work-life balance.

📍 Mark S. Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt, discusses strategic alternatives with Playa, a prominent all-inclusive resort operator in the Caribbean and Mexico. Hyatt, owning 9.99% of Playa's outstanding shares, filed an amendment to its Schedule 13D with the US SEC to disclose these talks. No assurance of transaction completion or terms. Hyatt remains committed to its low-cost business model during the process.

🏠 PAREF Group partnered with Parkway Life REIT, a major healthcare REIT in Asia, to advise on the acquisition of an 11-EHPAD portfolio in France in a sale and leaseback deal from DomusVi Group. A full real estate service management mandate was also signed as part of the strategic investment in Europe.

🛈 En Espagne, la Semaine Sainte a vu des performances mitigées dans l'hôtellerie, affectées par la tempête Nelson. Des annulations de réservations et une baisse des réservations de dernière minute ont été constatées, à cause des conditions météorologiques défavorables. Des baisses de fréquentation par rapport à l'année précédente ont été enregistrées, bien que certaines destinations aient maintenu leurs prévisions. La pluie a notamment provoqué l'annulation des processions du Vendredi Saint à Séville.

🏕 Marriott acquires Postcard Cabins, a U.S. outdoor lodging company with 1,200 premium bungalow/cabin rentals across 29 destinations. This strategic purchase aims to boost Marriott's presence in the luxury outdoor hospitality market. Both Postcard Cabins and Trailborn offerings will be integrated into Marriott Bonvoy's platform by 2025, reflecting a shift towards immersive, nature-focused travel experiences. Marriott's expansion caters to the rising demand for sustainable accommodations with easy access to nature.

🏕 European Camping Group (ECG) to manage two campsites under Marvilla Parks brand in Messanges, Landes starting 2025: Lou Pignada*** (6.8 hectares, 411 pitches) and Domaine de la Marina** (3.4 hectares, 219 pitches). The partnership with RESASOL, based on a lease-management model, dates back to the 1980s and signifies a significant development in the Outdoor Hospitality sector. ECG aims to enhance these sites while maintaining their identity and environmental integration. 🌲

🛒 Franke Group acquired 100% of Nokite EcoSmart Water Heating Systems, a leading Chinese stainless steel kitchen faucets and accessories manufacturer. The acquisition, intended to boost Franke's smart kitchen solutions strategy and water treatment market presence, capitalizes on regulatory trends phasing out lead in faucets. Nokite, with over 20 years in the industry and approximately 150 employees, joins Franke Home Solutions. Previous owner KWC Group was majority-owned by funds advised by Equistone Partners Europe. Financial details undisclosed.