The deal marks Dutco’s second acquisition in Scotland within a year, with plans for significant investment in the property.
PC: Insider.co.uk
Dubai-based Dutco Group has acquired The Bruntsfield Hotel, a boutique property situated close to Edinburgh city centre, from Castleforge. The acquisition marks Dutco’s second Scotland-based deal within a year after acquiring Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort near Glasgow.
A strategic investment advisory firm, Align Partners, was involved in facilitating the transaction and will manage The Bruntsfield along with Mar Hall. Plans include a major investment to transform the hotel into one of the top luxury destinations, in line with hospitality industry standards.
Bruntsfield is the combination of classic elegance and modern amenities. The property renovated extensively by Castleforge boasts 74 well-appointed guest rooms that cater to leisure and business travelers, versatile event spaces, and a bar and restaurant offering locally inspired Scottish cuisine.
Nelson Gibb, Group CEO at Dutco Group, is enthusiastic about further expansion into Scotland’s hospitality market, “Expanding further into Scotland’s vibrant hospitality market so soon after acquiring Mar Hall reflects our strong belief in Scotland as a world-class destination. We look forward to bringing our vast hospitality expertise to reposition The Bruntsfield and contribute to its continued success as a cherished part of the Edinburgh hospitality landscape.”
Chris King, Managing Director at Align Partners, added, “As we look forward to building on The Bruntsfield’s rich heritage and excellence, our plan is to enhance offerings, maintaining its premier status among Edinburgh’s ideal choices for leisure and business travelers. We will work closely with the staff of The Bruntsfield and our partners to ensure this happens.”
The previous owners, Castleforge, were satisfied with their successful refurbishment and repositioning of The Bruntsfield. Matt Lederer, Hotel Acquisitions Director for Castleforge, said, “We are pleased to have completed a successful bedrooms and restaurant refurbishment programme and brand repositioning of The Bruntsfield Hotel, following our acquisition in mid-2021. The Bruntsfield has become a well-regarded boutique offering in Edinburgh.” This sale marks the next stage in our business plan, and we can’t wait to see the hotel go from strength-to-strength under new ownership.”
JLL, which advised Castleforge on the sale, highlighted the transaction as indicative of Scotland’s thriving hospitality market. According to Kerr Young, Head of UK National Hotels Transactions at JLL, “The deal demonstrates the ongoing attractiveness of high-end Scottish hospitality assets and the significant potential of The Bruntsfield. We wish Dutco Group and Align Partners all the very best as they start this exciting new chapter and see The Bruntsfield thrive under their ownership.”
Business operations will remain the same, and all existing bookings will be honored. Upgrades are planned to start in 2025.
The Dutco Group has substantial experience in the hospitality sector having managed luxury properties in Dubai, the Maldives, Seychelles, and the United States. The acquisition of The Bruntsfield is indicative of its commitment to invest in Scotland’s hospitality landscape.
