The Friedkin Group has entered into a strategic partnership with BDT & MSD Partners, a merchant bank that focuses on business owners and long-term investors. BDT & MSD, through its affiliated hospitality investment vehicle, will make a minority investment in Auberge Resorts Collection. In addition, BDT & MSD's hospitality vehicle intends to invest “significant” capital towards acquiring and developing luxury hotel and residential assets that will be branded and managed by Auberge Resorts Collection. The investment will support Auberge's continued growth in the Americas and internationally with a focus on gateway urban markets and high-profile experiential destinations.
“This partnership further solidifies Auberge Resorts Collection's position as the leading name in boutique luxury hospitality and marks a new and exciting era for our world-class portfolio," Dan Friedkin, chairman of Auberge Resorts Collection and chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group, said in a statement. "BDT & MSD's differentiated, long-term capital and expertise in luxury hospitality investments makes them a perfect strategic partner and will allow us to further grow the strength of the Auberge brand."
“Auberge is a world-class manager of distinctive luxury hotel properties, with an exceptional track record of delivering curated guest experiences in the world's leading hospitality markets,” said Coburn Packard, partner and head of real estate at BDT & MSD. “We are excited to be a part of its future and look forward to partnering with Auberge's talented team to build on its differentiated strengths and accelerate further growth.”
Auberge Resorts Collection became part of The Friedkin Group in 2013 and now has 27 properties across the U.S., Latin America and Europe, with a development pipeline of over a dozen hotels and two additional hotels planned to open in Florence and South Carolina this year.