BDL and Redefine merger forms UK's largest independent hotel management company

The creation of Redefine BDL Hotels is designed to give both companies a stronger foothold in the UK market, said BDL managing director Stewart Campbell, who takes up the position of managing director of the new company. 

“This merger provides a new and stronger financial and operational platform from which we can grow our business," he said. "We are firmly placed at the forefront of developments within the industry and are excited by the prospect of offering new and enhanced services to hotel owners and partners through our specialist knowledge and depth of resource to deliver best in class hotel management services.”

Between them the two companies operate 60 hotels in the UK under brands such as Holiday Inn, Ramada, Crowne Plaza and Best Western as well as independents like The Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa and employ 3,000 people. 

BDL's Glasgow office and Redefine's Londonone will both be retained with Helder Pereira, chief executive of Redefine Hotels, taking up the role of chairman of Redefine BDL Hotels. Stuart McCaffer, current chairman of BDL Management, will leave the board to focus on his own hotel ownership interests. 

Pereira said the merger was a 'strategic move' and would help both companies to grow at a faster rate. 

“We view this merger as an extremely positive transaction for both companies; a strategic move which will enable us to be one step ahead of the trend for consolidation in Europe, mirroring what we are witnessing over in North America," he said. "We see significant opportunities to grow our business, both through acquiring new management contracts, and by partnering with owners and developers to deliver optimum performance from their assets, helping them to realise their full potential.”

Last year Campbell outlined plans to increase the size of the business to 75 hotels​ by the end of 2014 while retaining existing contract.