Howard Kennedy has advised Gencom, the Miami-headquartered real estate investment firm specialising in prized hospitality assets, in connection with its proposed acquisition of Rosewood London, a landmark luxury hotel in Central London.
Acting alongside US co-counsel, Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A., Howard Kennedy advised on all core aspects of the transaction, including the share acquisition, legal due diligence, equity funding and syndicated senior debt financing provided by HSBC and Santander. The team also advised on the termination and replacement of the hotel management arrangements, including the re-engagement of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, together with extensive corporate due diligence across the target group.
The transaction marks Gencom's first acquisition in the UK and represents one of the most significant London hotel transactions in recent years. The completed acquisition adds one of the capital's most prestigious luxury hospitality assets to Gencom's growing global portfolio of iconic hotels, resorts, and destinations.
“Howard Kennedy has been an exceptional legal partner throughout the execution of the Rosewood London acquisition, providing thoughtful strategic counsel and a deep understanding of the UK hospitality real estate market,” said Julie Levitt, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Gencom. “Their team worked collaboratively with our U.S. legal counsel, Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A., to navigate the complexities of this transaction. As we expand Gencom’s global investment portfolio with our first acquisition in the UK market, Howard Kennedy’s guidance and partnership was invaluable throughout the closing process.”
Located on High Holborn, Rosewood London comprises more than 300 guest rooms and suites and operates under the internationally recognised Rosewood Hotels & Resorts brand. The hotel was owned by an investment vehicle controlled by Hong Kong's Cheng family.
Founded more than 40 years ago, Gencom is a hospitality-focused real estate investment and development firm with approximately $7 billion of assets under management, including luxury hotels and resorts across North America, the Caribbean and Europe. Its portfolio includes properties operated in partnership with leading global hospitality brands including Rosewood, Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont, Hyatt and Marriott.
Anthony Hunt, Partner at Howard Kennedy, commented: "This is a landmark transaction involving one of London's best-known luxury hotel assets and demonstrates the continued attractiveness of the UK hospitality market to international investors. We were delighted to support Gencom on this strategically important investment as it pursues its first acquisition in the UK."
The instruction also highlights the strength of Howard Kennedy's international relationships through Meritas, the leading global alliance of independent law firms. The opportunity arose following a visit by Partner and Head of International, Jonathan Polin, to Miami, where he met with fellow Meritas member firm Stearns Weaver Miller, demonstrating the value of trusted international connections in supporting complex cross-border transactions.
The Howard Kennedy team was led by Anthony Hunt (Partner, Head of Hotels) and included Astrid Stanley (Partner, Real Estate), Hannah Place (Partner, Head of Banking and Finance), Jade Chalmers, (Partner, Head of Planning), Jane Amphlett (Partner, Head of Employment), John Kiely (Partner, Head of Immigration), Kieran Stone (Partner, Corporate), Michael Weissman (Partner, Construction), Stephanie Brigg (Legal Director, Corporate), Alexandra Mizzi (Legal Director, Employment), Lydia Christie (Legal Director, Employment), Philip Vickery (Legal Director, Tax), Benjamin Filmer (Senior Associate, Corporate), Dani Bowen (Senior Associate, Banking & Finance), John Archer (Senior Associate, Banking & Finance), Tobe Obi (Associate, Banking & Finance) Leor Mizrachi (Senior Associate, Construction), Peter Hopton (Senior Associate, IP & Commercial), Anna Armstrong (Associate, Real Estate), Annie Long (Associate, Employment), Danielle Coglin (Associate, Planning), Kelly Kapinos (Associate, Corporate), Shona Chandarana (Associate, Corporate), Brian Ostik (Paralegal, Banking & Finance).
US Co-counsel: Jason Post, Amanda Bennis, Nicholas Risi, Amy Jellicorse (Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.)
Advising the banks: Nick Gardner & James Salford (Shoosmiths)
Sell Side Corporate Counsel: Alastair Dolman & Alex Potten (Mayer Brown)
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