Article Hero

Hyatt Hotels to purchase Apple Leisure Group

1629100620.png
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
16 August 2021
The week starts with a new deal in the vacation and leisure sectors, marking the latest sign of optimism in the travel industry

US hotel operator Hyatt Hotels Corp announced its intention to buy Apple Leisure Group from private-equity owner KKR & Co and KSL Capital Partners for $2.7 billion.  After the completion of the agreement, Hyatt expects to double its global resort footprint. More than 80% of the purchase will be funded by a combination of $1 billion of cash in hand and new debt financings, while the rest of $500 million will be from equity financing. Hyatt secured a $1.7 billion financing commitment from JP Morgan.

The cash proceeds from the $2 billion asset sale program are expected to be used to pay down debt, including the one used to fund the acquisition.

KKR and KSL first purchased Apple Leisure Corp from Bain Capital for an undisclosed price in 2017.

According to Hyatt’s statement, the acquisition will increase the percentage of revenues and earnings from fees. The hotel operator is looking to fulfil the current commitment of selling $1.5 billion of hotel real estate in 2021. Moreover, Hyatt is committing to an additional $2 billion in proceeds from the sale of hotel real estate by the end of 2024.

The transaction seems to be the latest sign of optimism regarding returning to vacation travel, even if the US economy is still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Apple Leisure’s business got hit by virus-related lockdowns and travel bans, but it managed to rebound as restrictions eased.

 

Sources: marketwatch.com, wsj.com

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

Share this article

How did you find this article?

Awful
Ok
Great
Awesome

Read More

Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.