AccorHotels is increasing its portfolio of hotels in the African continent with the acquisition of a 50% stake in Mantis Group, the South Africa-based hospitality and travel conglomerate.
This deal follows the French hotel group’s sale in February of a 55%t stake in its AccorInvest real estate unit to a consortium of investors for 4.4 billion euros (US$5.4 billion) cash, which is to be used for funding new acquisitions and renovating existing properties.
The Zambezi Queen, part of the Mantis Group
The latest transaction will add 28 Mantis-managed hotels to Accor’s network ranging from branded hotels and residences including boutique villas and flagship properties such as Founders Lodge, a South African game reserve located in the Eastern Cape (featured image), and the elegant Draycott Hotel in London.
Mantis also owns and operates a number of unique luxury houseboats and a lodge under the Zambezi Queen Collection brand.
Terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, and the agreement is subject to regulatory approvals.
“Mantis is a pioneer in customized one-of-a-kind travel services in some of the most imaginative hotels across the world,” AccorHotels chairman and CEO, Sébastien Bazin, said in a statement.
Sébastien Bazin: Partnership reinforces group’s footprint in Africa.
“With this strategic partnership we are reinforcing the group’s footprint in Africa and we have access to a brand with strong roots and heritage, recognised for its commitment to preserve the environment and its prestigious credentials in the hospitality space.”
Adrian Gardiner, founder and chairman of the Mantis Group, commented the agreement with AccorHotels presented “an attractive proposition” for the company to utilise the French hotel group’s distribution channels and world-wide reach to further develop its hospitality concepts and sustainability projects.
The partnership is accompanied by the launch of a non-profit organisation, the Community Conservation Fund Africa, which aims to prevent the accelerating decline of Africa’s wildlife. The NGO also brings together three conservation organisations – Wilderness Foundation, Tusk Trust and African Parks.
• All images credit: AccorHotels
