Fuller, Smith & Turner, the premium pubs and hotels business, has exchanged contracts to acquire Cotswold Inns & Hotels for a total consideration of €46.5m (£40m). The acquisition comprises a collection of seven high quality, freehold country inns and hotels and eight freehold staff cottages in the Cotswolds, together with two vibrant leasehold bars in Birmingham’s city centre. It is envisaged that all employees will transfer with the purchase. An eighth hotel (The Broadway Hotel) does not form part of the agreement and is being retained by the current owners.
Fuller’s Chief Executive Simon Emeny said: “The inns and hotels being acquired are all iconic, character properties in sought-after locations in the Cotswolds. They will further enhance our existing portfolio of premium hotel accommodation, adding 201 stylish bedrooms. A number of the sites have further development potential and Cotswold Inns & Hotels benefits from an established function business, spanning both leisure and corporate custom as well as weddings. We expect to realise further benefits from bringing the properties into Fuller’s and for the acquisition to be earnings accretive in the first year. Quintessentially English and renowned for a focus on fresh food, premium accommodation and an exceptional level of customer service, this collection of seven iconic country hotels is highly complementary with our existing strategy.”
