Rocco Forte Hotels has announced that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a significant minority stake in the group. The Forte family will retain majority ownership and control. The arrangement sees the Italian entity CDPE Investimenti (CDPEI) selling its entire stake.
PIF’s investment will include an element of primary equity which will accelerate the brand’s expansion in both existing and new global markets, building on the group’s track record of growth and development that includes eight new properties opened or committed in recent years.
Sir Rocco Forte will remain executive chairman, alongside Olga Polizzi, who will continue as deputy chairman. Charles Forte, Lydia Forte and Irene Forte will also continue to hold key roles in the business.
Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
Sir Rocco Forte said: “We thank CDPEI for having shared the past fruitful eight years during which we both successfully accomplished the mission we shared when we started the journey, having significantly enhanced the value of the company and increased the group’s presence in Italy and across Europe.”
Turqi Al Nowaiser, deputy governor and head of international investments division at PIF, said: “Our investment in Rocco Forte Hotels reflects PIF’s confidence in both the commercial opportunity and strength of the international hospitality and tourism industries that have shown remarkable resilience in recent years. As active long-term investors, PIF will continue to invest strategically in promising sectors to achieve sustainable returns globally.”
Rocco Forte Hotels was established by Sir Rocco Forte and Olga Polizzi in 1996. Today the group operates 14 hotels and resorts, as well as 20 private villas, including some of Europe’s most iconic properties. A further three hotels are due to open in 2024 and 2025.
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