Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Belmond, owners, part-owners or managers of 46 luxury hotel, restaurant, train and river cruise properties.
LVMH is to acquire Belmond for US$25.00 per Class A share in cash. This represents an equity value of US$2.6 billion in a transaction with an enterprise value of US$3.2 billion. In the twelve months ended September 30, 2018, Belmond recorded total revenues of US$572 million and adjusted EBITDA of US$140 million.
The transaction is expected to complete in the first half of 2019 subject to the approval of Belmond’s shareholders and clearance by the relevant competition authorities.
Established over 40 years ago with the acquisition of Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Belmond’s iconic properties include hotels such as Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire (pictured), Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg, Maroma Resort & Spa in Mexico, Hotel das Cataratas in the Iguassu National Park in Brazil, and Cap Juluca in Anguilla.
Legendary trains, such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Belmond Royal Scotsman and exceptional cruises such as Belmond Afloat in France fleet and Belmond Road to Mandalay, complete the portfolio.
Roland Hernandez, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Belmond said, “Following a strategic review that attracted broad and deep interest from a wide range of real estate and lodging companies, sovereign wealth institutions and other financial buyers around the world, the board has concluded that this transaction with LVMH provides compelling and certain value for our shareholders as well as an exciting path forward with a group that appreciates Belmond’s irreplaceable assets and strong management team.”
Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, LVMH added, “Belmond delivers unique experiences to discerning travellers and owns a number of exceptional assets in the most desirable destinations. Its heritage, its innovative services, its excellence in execution and its entrepreneurship resonates well with the values of the Group and is complementary to our own Cheval Blanc maisons and the Bvlgari hotels activities. This acquisition will significantly increase LVMH’s presence in the ultimate hospitality world.”
