New Zealand's Huka Lodge sold to US investment fund
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New Zealand's Huka Lodge sold to US investment fund
KSL Capital Partners has announced it will acquire New Zealand's Huka Lodge in a deal negotiated by JLL Hotels and Hospitality Senior Vice President Tom Gibson.
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Huka Lodge Facebook pageNew Zealand's Huka Lodge
A US investment fund has entered into an agreement to acquire New Zealand's Huka Lodge.
KSL Capital Partners, LLC, announced this week that it had reached a deal through one of its affiliates to add the property to its portfolio of luxury resorts.
The transaction, which was brokered by JLL Hotels and Hospitality Senior Vice President Tom Gibson, is subject to receiving consent from New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office, with KSL’s application currently being assessed by the Overseas Investment Office.
Mr Gibson told WILLIAMS MEDIA he introduced KSL Capital to Huka Lodge as an obvious target for their global luxury lodge strategy.
"The sale of this iconic luxury lodge, is a strategic entrance into the New Zealand market for the Denver-based private equity firm, following the 2019 JLL-brokered deals of the Baillie Lodges portfolio, Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest, and Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat on Vancouver Island in Canada," he said.
In a statement, the company said it plans to lift the lodge "to the next level", while at the same time protecting its brand within New Zealand.
"Huka Lodge has been in foreign ownership for many years but KSL recognises the importance of this property and the brand it has in New Zealand, and intends to protect and enhance that as a part of its international portfolio," it said.
The view from the owner's cottage. Source: Huka Lodge
The operation will be overseen by KSL portfolio company Baillie Lodges, with staff and management to be retained.
Baillie Lodges Executive Chairman James Baillie described taking over the lodge as "an incredible opportunity".
"We recognise what it means to be leading the award winning Huka Lodge into a new era and take very seriously our role to maintain the property’s fine heritage and global reputation," he said.
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