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.
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