Great news last week from one of our key hotel investments – Intercontinental Hotels Group plc – is to acquire KIMPTON HOTELS, the largest and most prestigious boutique hotel chain in the States and develop from its American base into Europe and the rest of the world.
This move is particularly interesting as the proceeds of this month's sale of one hotel, The Grand in Paris for over £300 million has provided almost all the funds to acquire KIMPTON and some 71 new hotels. A move which should also help to get rid of any hedge funds which might try to destroy IHG with an unwelcome takeover/merger with a private buyer or an American hotel chain.
The share price reacted well to the news as it is not difficult to foresee a further encouraging improvement in profits in the coming year and the continued growth of IHG as a British hotel group operating in America and throughout the world.
The future for well managed and imaginative boutique hotels is enormous and our holdings in IHG will remain very much a key investment in 2015.

Have a great holiday