KSL Capital Partners, LLC Acquires Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin

New ownership Plans Significant Brand Investment and Hotel Expansion Programme in UK and International Markets

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Malmaison Group (Malmaison), the owner of leading UK boutique hotel brands Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, and KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL), are pleased to announce that an affiliate of KSL has acquired Malmaison. KSL, based in Denver, Colorado, is a U.S. private equity firm dedicated to investing in travel and leisure businesses.

“Building on these foundations, we look forward to taking the dynamic brands onward into a period of exciting growth over the coming years.”

With 27 hotels, the transaction will cement Malmaison and Hotel du Vin’s position as the UK’s leading boutique brands, with KSL planning to invest significantly in the existing portfolio and in the growth of both hotel brands. The investment will support the current development strategy initiated by CEO Gary Davis. Under the leadership of Mr. Davis and KSL, Malmaison will continue its brand development plans including an extensive renovation program and expansion within the UK, European and international markets. Mr. Davis, who previously led the expansion of the De Vere Group’s Village Hotel portfolio and the global expansion programmes at Hard Rock Café and Planet Hollywood, was appointed CEO of Malmaison in January 2012.

KSL is committed to growing Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, with a number of investment initiatives underway, including the opening of a new Malmaison hotel in Dundee in September 2013 and the conversion of an existing property in St. Andrews to a Hotel du Vin in early 2014.

Mr. Davis commented, “We are delighted to welcome KSL as the new owners of the Malmaison and Hotel du Vin brands and are excited to be working with them. They have recognised the significant potential in our business. We look forward to leveraging their considerable expertise, which combined with the talent in our own senior leadership team, will further develop our leading hotel brands.”

“Despite the wider challenging economic climate, we are proud of the strong operational and financial position that the hotels currently enjoy,” Mr. Davis added. “Building on these foundations, we look forward to taking the dynamic brands onward into a period of exciting growth over the coming years.”

Richard Weissmann, a partner at KSL, added, “At KSL, we look for unique travel and leisure businesses with strong management teams to help support and grow. Malmaison and Hotel du Vin occupy a strong position in the UK market. With an exceedingly loyal following, we believe each brand has tremendous potential for further growth and expansion. We are pleased to be working with the company’s talented management team.”

ABOUT MALMAISON AND HOTEL DU VIN

Each founded in 1994, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin are a unique collection of premier boutique hotels located throughout the UK. From our iconic buildings to the iconic dishes on our Brasserie and Bistro menus, we dare to be different from other UK hotels. Each hotel is designed to cater for those who demand something different. People who are looking for a stylish stay, daring dining or an impressive events venue. You may check-in to a converted castle prison, hospital, sugar refinery, or even a Royal Mail sorting office. But the difference doesn't stop there. Each Malmaison location is designed with flair and imagination, with sumptuous accommodation and daring touches around every corner. While each Hotel du Vin is elegant, yet unpretentious. Simple, yet sophisticated. Informal, yet luxurious.

For more information, please see malmaision.com.uk and hotelduvin.com.uk.

ABOUT KSL CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC

KSL is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado and New York. KSL’s current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. In the UK, KSL owns The Belfry in the West Midlands. In the United States, KSL owns The Grove Park Inn, The Homestead, Montelucia Resort & Spa, Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, The James Royal Palm, La Costa Resort and Spa, and ClubCorp, one of the world’s largest owners of private golf and business clubs. KSL also owns other premier recreation businesses, including Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, two of the leading ski resorts in North America; and Western Athletic Clubs, the owner and operator of luxury fitness clubs in California.

For more information, please see kslcapital.com