HR Group acquires Boutique Hotel Group Vagabond Club, expanding its luxury portfolio

Berlin/Vienna, 12 January 2024 - Berlin-based HR Group (HRG) is enhancing its luxury portfolio through the acquisition of the Austrian boutique hotel group, Vagabond Club, comprising a total of four hotels. The sellers include the Kerbler Private Foundation and Rupert Simoner, the founder of Vagabond Club, who has positioned the hotels as modern boutique-grand hotels with a digital infrastructure.

Ruslan Husry, CEO and owner of HR Group, states, "The townhouses complement our extensive portfolio excellently, and we are expanding our presence in the luxury sector. My longstanding, friendly partnership with Rupert has been a key factor, and I am proud that, as one of the largest multi-brand hotel operators in Europe, we can continue these hotels with a strong, modern brand positioning using our expertise and passion."

The hotels in Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, and Wismar emphasize sophisticated design, the individuality of each location, and the personality as hosts. Traditional values of grand hotel hospitality are preserved and sustainably implemented in a contemporary manner. The Vagabond Club's philosophy and an excellent digital infrastructure, catering to guest preferences in advance, make the hotels equally rooted in tradition and modernity. High-quality rooms, studios, or residences, independent gastronomy, as well as top-notch fitness and lounge concepts, offer effortless luxury. The concept targets cosmopolitans who appreciate exchange among like-minded individuals and advocate for sustainable developments and conscious travel.

Rupert Simoner, founder of Vagabond Club, adds, "I am very pleased that Ruslan is investing with HR Group in this sustainable luxury segment, and with his power, he will further develop the Vagabond Club brand. I deeply believe that modern values and the precious traditions of grand hotels are what bring joy and enthusiasm to travel, and HR Group will make this approach tangible for many more guests."

The purchase affects the operational businesses at the specified locations in Germany, all employees have been taken over and it has been agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
HRG's strategic goal is to build a pioneering hotel company, aiming to become Europe's leading hotel owner-operator with a strong multi-brand platform. Through this acquisition, the number of hotels operated by HRG in ownership, lease, and management, including stakes in hotels with the Asian partner Absolute Hotel Services, surpasses 200.

About HRG:
The HR Group is one of the leading multi-brand hotel operating companies in Central Europe. The Berlin-based company has been successfully acquiring, developing and operating hotels & resorts for more than 15 years. HR Group works with established hotel groups such as Accor, Wyndham Hotel Group, Dorint Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, IHG and Deutsche Hospitality. The company also acts as a reliable partner for institutional investors such as Pandox AB, DEKA, DWS, Union Investment and others. HR Group has a strong presence in various markets and has achieved above-average sales performance in recent years. Extensive market and in-depth real estate knowledge as well as professional management structures form the basis for success. HR Group is looking for city and business hotels in international and national cities, as well as resorts in leading leisure destinations.

Contact:
Press Office
Betina Welter
VP Communications and Brand Marketing
+43 1 333 737355
betina.welter@hrg-hotels.com