Soho House Potential Take-Private Deal
Introduction
Soho House, the exclusive members' club that originated in London and went on to become a global sensation, is in talks for a major take-private deal worth $1.8 billion. The potential buyers are a group of investors led by New York-based MCR Hotels.
Key Details
Soho House has become known for its luxurious and trendy atmosphere, attracting celebrities and influencers from all over the world. With locations in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Berlin, the club has a strong presence in the hospitality industry.
The potential buyers, MCR Hotels, are a leading hotel investment and management company with a portfolio of over 100 properties in the US. The group has experience in the luxury market, making them a suitable choice for taking over Soho House.
Impact
If the deal goes through, it will mark a significant shift in the ownership of Soho House, which has remained privately owned since its inception in 1995. This move could potentially bring new opportunities for the club's growth and expansion, as well as provide a lucrative exit for the current shareholders.
The acquisition could also have a ripple effect on the hospitality industry, with other members' clubs potentially considering similar deals. It will be interesting to see how the change in ownership will affect the culture and exclusivity of Soho House and
About the Organizations Mentioned
Soho House
Soho House is a global private membership network founded in 1995 by British restaurateur Nick Jones, who opened the first club above his London restaurant, Cafe Boheme, at 40 Greek Street in Soho. The organization began as a members-only club for local creatives, offering a relaxed, home-like atmosphere with fireplaces, art collections, and late-night gatherings. The name "Soho House" simply reflected its location—a Georgian townhouse in London’s Soho district. Over the years, Soho House has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, now operating 46 Houses across five continents, with additional offerings including Soho Works coworking spaces, The Ned hotels, Scorpios Beach Clubs, and the Soho Home lifestyle brand. The company’s expansion began with Babington House in Somerset (1998), the first with bedrooms, and continued with international openings in New York (2003), Berlin (2010), and West Hollywood (2010), among others. Soho House is renowned for its exclusivity, with membership fees often exceeding $5,000 annually and long waitlists. Its appeal lies in its curated mix of hospitality, networking, and creative energy, attracting professionals from both corporate and creative industries. The club has become a hub for business meetings, career connections, and cultural events, with notable figures like venture capitalist Fred Wilson citing Soho House as a pivotal place for deal-making. Today, Soho House & Co Inc. is valued at over $2.8 billion and remains the only company to have successfully scaled a private membership network globally. Its blend of physical and digital spaces, emphasis on community, and reputation for subtle, exclusive marketing continue to set it apart in the world of business and lifestyle clubs.
MCR Hotels
MCR Hotels is a prominent hotel owner-operator in the United States, founded in 2006 by CEO Tyler Morse. Headquartered in New York City with additional offices in Dallas, Chicago, London, and Richmond, Virginia, MCR has grown significantly over the years. The company is recognized as the third-largest hotel owner-operator in the U.S., boasting a $5 billion portfolio that includes over 150 independent and premium-branded hotels across 37 states and 107 cities. These hotels operate under 29 brands, including major names like Marriott and Hilton[1][2]. ### History and Growth MCR began with a modest start, opening its first three Value Place hotels in 2006. Through strategic development and acquisitions, the company has expanded rapidly. Its portfolio now comprises more than 25,000 guestrooms, with a workforce of approximately 7,000 team members[1][3]. ### Key Achievements MCR has received numerous accolades for its excellence in the hospitality industry. The company is a three-time recipient of the Marriott Partnership Circle Award and the Hilton Legacy Award for Top Performer. Notably, MCR was recognized as one of *Fast Company*'s 10 Most Innovative Travel Companies and featured in *Travel + Leisure*'s World’s Best Hotels and *Condé Nast Traveler*'s Readers’ Choice Awards[2]. The TWA Hotel, one of MCR's notable projects, won several awards, including the American Institute of Architects national Architecture Award[1][2]. ### Current Status and Notable Aspects Today, MCR continues to innovate and expand its operations. The company stands out for its commitment to integrity and innovation, focusing on creating value for investors while maintaining a merit-based work environment. MCR's leadership team has extensive experience in hospitality and asset management, contributing to its success in disrupting industry norms[7]. Additionally, MCR acquired the hotel management software Stayntouch in 2020, further enhancing its operational