Fintech PR
AL-BAHAR GROUP INCREASES INVESTMENT IN YOTEL
YOTEL ANNOUNCES PLAN TO DOUBLE PORTFOLIO IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
LONDON, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — YOTEL, the global hotel brand challenging the status quo of the hospitality industry, (‘YOTEL’ or ‘the Company’), announces today that its majority shareholder the Al-Bahar Group (‘the Group’) has acquired an additional 30% stake in the Company. The stake was previously held by a controlled affiliate of Starwood Capital Group (“Starwood Capital”), a global investment firm focused on real estate. The investment increases the Group’s holding in YOTEL to more than 95%.
Talal Al Bahar, Chairman, YOTEL and Al-Bahar Group comments:
“I am delighted with the YOTEL team’s incredible achievements over the last 15 years. From humble beginnings, YOTEL is now a global company with an expansive portfolio of properties in prime locations. We are profitable, financially self-sustaining and growing rapidly.
I am truly grateful to Starwood Capital for their contribution to this success and for eight years of strong partnership.
Our investment today underscores our confidence in the future of YOTEL. Going forward, we will be looking for new and diverse opportunities to develop YOTEL’s brand awareness, franchise model and distribution, to support our ambitious growth plans. We are also making additional capital available for exceptional development opportunities. We are building YOTEL’s exciting future on very strong foundations.”
Hubert Viriot, CEO, YOTEL comments:
“Talal’s vision made YOTEL the success we are today. His additional investment is not just an endorsement of our potential, it also makes us more competitive and agile, simplifying our structure and giving us access to additional growth capital.
YOTEL is now one of very few independent, global asset-light hotel brands. Independence and financial stability give us a unique edge: enabling us to focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience and on long-term portfolio development.
In recent years we have significantly strengthened our senior team and built-out a sophisticated operating platform, to support our portfolio and accelerate future growth. YOTEL has an exciting future ahead with a strong development pipeline and, as announced in Berlin today at IHIF 2025, a plan to double the YOTEL portfolio to 15,000 rooms globally by 2030.”
Tim Abram, Managing Director, Global Co-Head of Hotels, Starwood Capital, comments:
“We would like to thank the Al-Bahar Group along with the rest of the Board, the Management team, and all the employees at YOTEL for their partnership and hard work over the last eight years. YOTEL has achieved tremendous growth over this time period, which is something everyone can be proud of.
We wish the company the best of luck on the next exciting chapter of growth and meanwhile remain an enthusiastic partner of YOTEL as owners of two YOTEL properties.”
Starwood Capital, through its controlled affiliates, has been a powerful development partner, providing capital and expertise, helping to institutionalise the Company and grow the YOTEL portfolio from six to 34 properties (see appendix) in prime locations around the world.
About YOTEL
YOTEL is a global hospitality brand based in London, with regional offices in the US and Asia. It has a portfolio of three brands: YOTEL (city centre hotels), YOTELPAD (extended stay option) and YOTELAIR (airport hotels).
The Company has 23 operating hotels across 16 buzzing cities and airports around the world including New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Miami, Tokyo, Singapore, Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam, Porto, Geneva, Glasgow, Manchester, Paris, and Istanbul. In addition, it has 11 hotels in the pipeline due to open over the next 24 months in Lisbon, London, Belfast, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, New York, NEOM (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and Perth.
NOTE: The Al-Bahar Group’s stake is held through three different entities: United Investment Portugal, Kuwait Real Estate Company (Aqarat) and Med Al-Bahar International Limited.
The Al-Bahar Group has been invested in YOTEL since inception in 2005 and the Company’s major shareholder since 2013.
About Al-Bahar Group
Al-Bahar Group is a diversified conglomerate comprising listed and unlisted companies across multiple sectors in the Gulf and beyond. Under the leadership of Talal Al-Bahar, the group maintains a strong presence in financial services, real estate, insurance and food, while expanding its footprint through strategic investments and subsidiaries.
In Kuwait’s public market, Al-Bahar Group includes leading financial institutions such as Arzan Financial Group for Finance and Investment, Aldeera Holding, and International Financial Advisors Holding; real estate companies Kuwait Real Estate Company (AQARAT) and IFA Hotels and Resorts; and First Takaful Insurance Company providing Sharia-compliant insurance solutions.
Talal Al-Bahar also represents the group’s interests in Boursa Kuwait, Kuwait’s national stock exchange and in MIAX, a U.S.-based operator of global financial exchanges and execution services.
Al-Bahar Group’s companies also include EFS Facilities Services, United Hospitality Management (UHM), Strive Services Group, and Domus Managed Housing.
EFS is a regional powerhouse in integrated facilities management, operating across 25 countries while managing over 75 million square meters of real estate and a contract backlog exceeding $2.5 billion.
UHM brings +30 years of luxury hospitality expertise as a global management company, partnering with world-class brands including Marriott’s Luxury Collection, IHG’s Vignette Collection, Hyatt, Wyndham, Sheraton, YOTEL, Accor, Mövenpick, Bespoke Hotels, and voco Hotels.
Strive Services Group delivers an integrated facilities management solution for real estate asset owners across the UAE and beyond. Domus Managed Housing, a division of Strive Services Group, specializes in purpose-built corporate housing solutions for clients including Wyndham, Mövenpick, and Millennium Hotels.
Currently, Al-Bahar Group operates in over 25 countries, developed and invested in more than 80 projects, +21,000 keys, +3,000 commercial units, and +46 hotels under +10 international brands.
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Fintech PR
ANDURAND CAPITAL CEASES TO RELY ON ALTERNATIVE MONTHLY REPORTING SYSTEM; URGES SPROTT TO FIX SPROTT COPPER VEHICLE
The Units of Sprott Physical Copper Trust Trade at a Significant Discount to the Net Asset Value Per Unit with Inadequate Liquidity
Andurand Capital Ceases To Rely on the Alternative Monthly Reporting System in Respect of Sprott Physical Copper Trust
ST. JULIENS, Malta, April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —
- Andurand Capital Management Ltd (“ACML“) believes that certain amendments to the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of the Issuer, in particular to expand the restrictive redemption feature of the units of the Issuer (“Units”) consistent with the redemption features of other physical metals trusts managed by Sprott Asset Management LP, will help facilitate alignment between the price of the Units and the market price of physical copper.
- ACML believes that this will assist in addressing the underperformance of the Units, which trade at a significant discount to the net asset value per Unit and physical copper prices: as of market close on March 31, 2025, the price of each Unit traded at an average discount of ~18% to the net asset value per Unit over the preceding 30 trading days.
- The inception-to-date average traded value of the Units is <$200,000 per day, demonstrating the illiquidity of the Units for early investors.
MORE INFORMATION:
ACML, in its capacity as discretionary investment manager for Andurand Climate and Energy Transition Master Fund (the “Fund“), announces that it has elected to voluntarily cease filing reports under the Alternative Monthly Reporting System (“AMR System“) under Part 4 of National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues (“NI 62-103“) in respect of Sprott Physical Copper Trust (the “Issuer“).
Immediately before and immediately after ACML elected to voluntarily cease filing reports under the AMR System on the date hereof, ACML, on behalf and for the sole benefit of the Fund, exercised control and direction over an aggregate 1,811,957 Units, representing approximately 16.4% of the issued and outstanding Units.
The Units described herein were acquired and partly redeemed in the ordinary course of business for the Fund’s investment purposes only and not for the purpose of exercising control or direction over the Issuer. ACML, on behalf and for the sole benefit of the Fund, may further purchase, hold, vote, trade, dispose or otherwise deal in Units or other securities of the Issuer in such manner as it deems advisable, including, without limitation, in order to benefit from changes in market prices of the Units, publicly disclosed changes in the operations of the Issuer, its business strategy or prospects, or from a sale or merger of the Issuer.
ACML may in the future determine to take any available course of action to address the foregoing concern or otherwise, which could involve one or more of the types of transactions or matters, or have one or more of the results, referred to in clauses (a) through (k) of item 5 of the report that ACML, on behalf of the Fund, will shortly file on Form 62-103F2 – Required Disclosure by an Eligible Institutional Investor under Section 4.3 in connection with this press release and in accordance with applicable securities laws (the “Report“), including requisitioning a meeting of unitholders of the Issuer, engaging with unitholders of the Issuer and soliciting proxies, or otherwise.
ACML’s registered office is located at The Hedge Business Centre, Level 5, Ir-Rampa ta’ San Giljan, Balluta Bay, St. Julian’s STJ 1062, Malta.
For further information or to receive a copy of the Report, please see the Issuer’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, or contact ACML by phone at +356 2092 7400, Hakon Haugnes, or by email at contact@andurandcapital.com.
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The April editions feature interviews with leading executives from PepsiCo, BMW Group, DP World, Exotec, Royal Mail, Coupa Software and more, offering insights into supply chain innovation, procurement transformation, and global logistics strategies.
LONDON, April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BizClik, the UK’s fastest-growing B2B digital media and publishing company, has released the April 2025 editions of Supply Chain Digital and Procurement Magazine. These titles remain essential reading for professionals across the global supply chain, logistics, and procurement industries, offering forward-looking features, in-depth interviews, and exclusive event coverage.
This edition’s lead interview features Rashid Abdulla, CEO for Europe at DP World, who shares how the company is driving supply chain transformation across the continent.
Other highlights include:
- Lauren Hymen, PepsiCo – On how digital transformation is empowering procurement
- Milan Nedeljkovic, BMW Group – Exploring the impact of Industry 4.0 on manufacturing
- Charles Hou, J&T Express Middle East – On revolutionising last-mile delivery
- Romain Moulin & Arthur Bellamy, Exotec – Discussing robotics, AI, and future-ready automation
- Mary Rollman, KPMG US – Analysing nearshoring strategies to navigate trade uncertainty
- Pierre-Yves Dermagne – On entering a new era of supplier diversity and compliance
- Top 10 Supply Chain Leaders – Featuring standout figures including Carol B. Tomé at UPS
- People Moves – Updates on Fernando Fernandez, Torsten Pilz, Gavin Chappell, and Adam Jones
This issue also includes highlights from Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Sustainability and previews of the upcoming shows in Chicago and London.
The April edition features a cover story with Lauren Hymen of PepsiCo, who shares how the company is leveraging digital tools to drive innovation and meet its sustainability goals.
Key content includes:
- Stuart Farrell & Natalia Merkulova, AllPoints Fibre Networks – On aligning procurement and finance for value creation
- Joao Paulo da Silva, Coupa Software – On leading digital transformation initiatives
- Ernest Rolfson, Finexio – Executive perspective on payment innovation
- Kristian O’Meara, JAGGAER – Exploring AI’s impact on supply chain visibility
- Top 10 Influential CPOs – Including Heather Ostis, Thomas Udesen, Amanda Davies, and more
- People Moves – Career updates from David Khuat-Duy, Franck Lheureux, James Jones and Willem Uijen
- Supplier Diversity – Insights from Kelly Grainger, Felizitas Lichtenberg and Rebecca Simpson
- Blockchain – Expert commentary from Scott Zoldi at FICO and Cristiano Ventricelli at Moody’s Ratings
Also featured: Highlights from Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Sustainability, and what to expect at upcoming events in Dubai and Chicago.
About BizClik
BizClik is one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in the UK, host to a growing portfolio of industry-leading global brands and communities.
BizClik’s expanding portfolio includes Technology, AI, FinTech, InsurTech, Supply Chain, Procurement, Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Mobile, Data Centre, Cyber, and Sustainability.
For more information, please visit https://www.bizclikmedia.com/
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bizclik-media-launches-april-editions-of-supply-chain-digital-and-procurement-magazine-302420939.html
The April edition of FinTech Magazine features exclusive interviews and insights from leaders at BBVA, Abzena, Mollie, Yuno, Chainalysis, Ecommpay, and more—exploring innovation across AI, blockchain, open banking, and financial regulation.
LONDON, April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BizClik, the UK’s fastest-growing digital media and publishing company, has released the April 2025 edition of FinTech Magazine. Known for its executive-led content and deep dives into industry transformation, the publication continues to be a trusted voice across the global financial services and technology sectors.
FinTech Magazine – April 2025 Edition
This month’s edition highlights how financial institutions and fintech companies are leveraging cutting-edge technology to redefine the future of finance.
Cover Feature: BBVA in Switzerland
COO Francisco Javier Arranz and CFO Eva Blaya outline how the bank is leading digital innovation through AI, blockchain, and strategic transformation.
“The CFO is no longer just the guardian of financial performance but a key driver of digital transformation.” – Eva Blaya, CFO, BBVA in Switzerland
Abzena – CIO David Williamson discusses data-led biotech finance strategies and the power of predictive analytics in innovation
Ecommpay – CRO Moshe Winegarten explains how APIs are changing banking decisions
Mollie & Yuno – Executives Dave Smallwood and Carol Grunberg explore regulatory complexity in a multi-jurisdictional world
Chainalysis – CEO Jonathan Levin details how the company is setting global standards for crypto investigations
Risk Management & Predictive Analytics – AI-led financial modelling insights from:
- Gunnar Már Gunnarsson, PAYSTRAX
- Mark Dearman, FintechOS
- Alan Jacobson, Alteryx
Cloud in Financial Services – Leaders from IBM, Capgemini, GFT Technologies, Persistent Systems, Red Hat, Protegrity, and SaaScada unpack trends in compliance, sovereignty, and scalability
Top 10 Women in FinTech – A spotlight on the standout leaders shaping the future of finance, taken from the 2025 Top 100 Women in FinTech ranking
Explore the April edition for more on AI, open banking, digital risk management, cloud innovation, and the people leading the transformation of global financial services.
About BizClik
BizClik is one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in the UK, host to a growing portfolio of industry-leading global brands and communities.
BizClik’s expanding portfolio includes Technology, AI, FinTech, InsurTech, Supply Chain, Procurement, Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Mobile, Data Centre, Cyber, and Sustainability.
For more information, please visit our website.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bizclik-media-launches-april-edition-of-fintech-magazine-302420928.html
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