US investors have eye on gleneagles

01 January 2000
US investors have eye on gleneagles

by Christina Golding

US predators are circling Gleneagles, which was put up for sale by its owner, Diageo, last week.

Managing director Peter Lederer said he was focusing on identifying the best company to implement long-term "strategic plans".

But he denied that a meeting last week at the hotel with the Savoy Group's Ram¢n Pajares was connected with the sale. US firm Blackstone Group acquired the Savoy Group earlier this year for £520m and has made no secret of its expansion plans.

Pajares said: "We had dinner. It was just on a friendly basis."

The official "for sale" sign went up after considerable interest from outside parties. It is understood that the 234-bedroom hotel could fetch up to £110m.

"It might be time to make a change if we find the right owner who can accelerate plans and developments," said Lederer.

"We have a strong brand in the resort market. What we could do here in the hotel and golf market is considerable," he added.

Although there are no firm offers on the table yet, it is understood that Starwood Hotels & Resorts - which recently acquired the Turnberry hotel and golf courses in Ayrshire - and Bass are among those showing interest.

The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking