Brand hotel developers buy independent hotel chain.Scottish based hotel group, BDL, announced the creation of a new joint venture company named BDL Select Hotels. BDL Select has purchased the first 4 hotels in its strategy to create a portfolio of quality independent mid market hotels in key locations across the UK. BDL is better known for its development of over 30 branded new build hotels in the last 8 years.

BDL Select announced its acquisition of independent hotel company Paten & Co in a confidential sale that sees four high quality hotels change hands. The deal was completed in less than four months demonstrating the speed at which BDL can react to trade sale opportunities. The four hotels consist of over 400 rooms located in Bedford, Stratford Upon Avon, Portsmouth and Colchester.

John O’Malley, CEO of BDL Select Hotels stated “The purchase of Paten Hotels is the first step in assembling a portfolio of good quality, independent mid market hotels. We are currently in negotiation with other independent operators with a view to expanding the portfolio. The purchase of Paten demonstrates how quickly we can complete deals from a standing start“.

The hotels are the 133 room Bedford Swan, originally built in 1794 overlooking the River Ouse; the 73 room Best Western Grosvenor Hotel in Stratford upon Avon; the 148 room Langston Hotel in Havant, Portsmouth and the 110 room Best Western Marks Tey Hotel in Colchester. All of the hotels have extensive food and beverage, meeting and function space.

BDL purchased Paten Hotels with the assistance of a professional team of advisors which included RBS Corporate and Property Finance, Atisreal, Ernst and Young; McGrigors Solicitors and Macroberts Solicitors both of Glasgow.