Singapore investor buys majority stake in Hotel Football
Singapore investment company Rowsley has bought a 75% stake in Hotel Football in Manchester for nearly £30m.
The venue, headed by Class of '92 stars Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt (pictured), opened in March this year.
Salford City part-owner Peter Lim has a stake in Rowsley, which has just bought the shareholding in the 133-bedroom hotel, which sits next to Old Trafford.
The deal sees Rowsley also take a 75% stake in the Café Football chain and GG Collections, the management company that owns the hotel and café operations.
Rowsley chief executive Lock Wai Han told The Manchester Evening News: "Manchester is a very exciting city and the development that is taking place is inspiring. Hotel Football has impressed us from day one: the concept, the location, the management and above all Gary, Phil, Ryan, Paul and Nicky's passion in fulfilling what was a dream into a reality.
"We share those dreams and aspirations for Hotel Football and the Old Trafford Supporters Club (OTSC). Football unites people all over the world and we will use our knowledge in the real estate sector to grow this business.
"We understand the objectives of Hotel Football and OTSC and will continue to ensure that the interests of the fans are well taken care of."
Giggs said: "Our dream since OTSC conception was a place where fans could extend their match day experience. Our vision will not change; the supporters are paramount and it is important to stress that OTSC will continue to operate and run as it has, where fans from all over can continue to congregate before and after the match and enjoy their love of the game."
Video: Stuart Procter and Ryan Giggs introduce Hotel Football Old Trafford >>
Hotel Football delayed until March 2015 >>
Looking for a job? See all the current hotel vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>
Latest video from The Caterer