Skift Take
For years Intercontinental Hotels Group lacked the brands to truly compete at the luxury end of the hotels market, but by buying Regent and Six Senses, it has totally transformed its high-end offering.
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The Skift New Luxury column is our weekly column focused on the business of selling luxury travel, the people and companies creating and selling experiences, emerging trends, and the changing consumer habits around the sector.
When Keith Barr outlined his plans to seek out a luxury acquisition or two, the IHG CEO talked about specifics that the deal must have.
“We are very focused on the sweet spot of acquiring an asset-light, small luxury brand company or companies with a strong customer proposition [and] strong owner proposition that we can grow,” Barr told investors on an earnings call in February 2018.
Regent Hotels & Resorts certainly fit the bill. It was in need of a serious refresh, having passed through the hands of a number of owners over the years. IHG seems to have big plans for the brand and really believes it can compete with rivals such as Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and Ritz-Carlton at the top end of the market.
For feedback or news tips, reach out via email at [email protected] or tweet me @paddywhyte.
— Patrick Whyte, Europe Editor
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Skift Europe Editor Patrick Whyte [[email protected]] curates the New Luxury newsletter. Skift emails the newsletter every Tuesday.
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Photo credit: The Regent Chongqing. Intercontinental Hotels Group bought a majority stake in the parent company. Intercontinental Hotels Group