Hotel owner Ennismore purchases Gleneagles Hotel

Ennismore, the London-based hospitality real estate group and property developer today announced the purchase of the famous Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland from drinks group, Diageo.

Ennismore already owns unique properties around the world including The Hoxton, and from July 1 2015, will also possess the Gleneagles Hotel.

Sharan Pasricha, founder and Chief Executive of Ennismore, said: “We are delighted to be acquiring the iconic Gleneagles Hotel, which is one of the world’s most prestigious and recognisable venues. We plan to operate Gleneagles as a standalone business – alongside The Hoxton – to ensure that its management team can preserve the special appeal of this Scottish landmark.”

The iconic Scottish landmark and its associated facilities in Perthshire are being acquired from Diageo, which has owned and developed the site since 1984.

Bernard Murphy, Managing Director of The Gleneagles Hotel, commented: "We very much look forward to working with Ennismore, and are excited about the possibilities of this new chapter in Gleneagles’ history.

“We have enjoyed a great relationship with Diageo over the last three decades, culminating in the hosting of what has been described as ‘the best ever Ryder Cup’ on the PGA Centenary Course last September.

“Looking ahead, the business is going from strength to strength and bookings for the summer period are very strong. This is in no small part thanks to the hard work of our team of 900 dedicated staff.”

The current employees of Gleneagles will keep their jobs, ensuring that Gleneagles continues to contribute to the local economy. Ennismore also plan to invest significant sums across the estate to develop the resort’s reputation.

Mr Pasricha said: “We will be proud guardians of this asset, ensuring that the service-levels and visitor experience for which Gleneagles is renowned are preserved and enhanced in the years to come.”

Gleneagles has more than 230 bedrooms, award-winning spa facilities and 850 acres of grounds offering a variety of outdoor activities. It includes a two-star Michelin restaurant, three championship golf courses, luxury lodges and related resort facilities.

Bernard Murphy, added: "For the moment our priority is, as always, to provide fantastic customer service and memorable experiences for our guests, so that Gleneagles can continue to flourish in the future.”

"In the meantime, it's very much business as usual for our members, staff and guests, and forward bookings will be unaffected."

The purchase coincides with the next stage of Ennismore’s international expansion, which includes the opening of its new hotel: The Hoxton, Amsterdam. The Dutch site will be followed by Williamsburg, New York (2016), Paris (2017) and London, Southwark (2017).

Diageo will continue to have a relationship with Gleneagles, which will ensure its brands, especially its world-leading Scotch Whisky brands, continue to be promoted at the luxury hotel.