Redefine Hotels and BDL Management have announced a merger between the two companies to create Redefine BDL Hotels. The merger will create the largest independent hotel management company in the UK with 60 hotels under management, representing 6,700 rooms. The merging of the two companies will reinforce the capabilities offered by both businesses, combining the financial strength and operational experience of Redefine Hotels with the hotel management and development expertise of BDL. Clients, which range from individual investors to banks, will be delivered with the very best in terms of financial and operational management of their assets, supporting their future value.
Redefine BDL Hotels will offer hotel owners stronger procurement capability and negotiating power, financial strength, continuity of service, and access to unparalleled international hotel brand relationships including IHG, Wyndham, Hilton, Starwood, and Best Western.
Retaining offices in both London and Glasgow, Redefine BDL Hotels will manage a combined portfolio of 60 hotels, delivering a turnover of over £200m. The current portfolio under management comprises:
• 60 hotels
• 6,700 rooms
• 3,000 employees
• Franchises from five of the largest international hotel brands (IHG, Wyndham, Hilton, Starwood, and Best Western)
• Hotel distribution across UK and in Africa (one hotel in Liberia and one hotel in Cape Town)
Speaking of the merger, Redefine BDL Hotels Chairman, Helder Pereira, says, “We view this merger as an extremely positive transaction for both companies; a strategic move which will enable us to be one step ahead of the trend for consolidation in Europe, mirroring what we are witnessing over in North America. We see significant opportunities to grow our business, both through acquiring new management contracts, and by partnering with owners and developers to deliver optimum performance from their assets, helping them to realise their full potential.”
Stewart Campbell, Managing Director of Redefine BDL Hotels, adds, “This merger provides a new and stronger financial and operational platform from which we can grow our business. We are firmly placed at the forefront of developments within the industry and are excited by the prospect of offering new and enhanced services to hotel owners and partners through our specialist knowledge and depth of resource to deliver best in class hotel management services.”
Stuart McCaffer, the current Chairman of BDL Management, and who has been instrumental in the success of BDL, will leave the board after 15 years’ service, to concentrate on his own hotel ownership interests. His hotel interests will continue to be managed by the merged company. Stuart McCaffer said, “It has been a real privilege to work with such a dedicated team at BDL and build a successful business. The merger is an ideal fit for both companies in so many ways, and will enable the business to accelerate its growth plans. This is a new and exciting chapter in the BDL story.”
