MOROCCO – Moroccan based hotel giant, ONOMO hotels has acquired a 60.1% controlling stake in BON Hotels, heralding what could be a major shakeup on the African hospitality industry.
In a press statement, ONOMO Chairman, Julien Ruggieri noted that ONOMO is consolidating the African hospitality market and will continue to strengthen its pan-African presence.
“The acquisition deal establishes ONOMO as a key player in the Nigerian market and will reinforce our presence in Southern Africa,” added Ruggieri.
He further noted that the deal positions ONOMO “as the leading pan-African mid-scale hospitality group with a footprint spanning 15 countries.”
The ONOMO boss also revealed that the hotel chain currently had 4 300 rooms and that plans were in the pipeline to develop an additional 3 000 rooms.
Ruggieri revealed that the new entity will now jointly employ about 2 200 people.
“We will benefit from BON Hotels’ extensive experience of offering its services as a hotel management company,” said ONOMO Hotels CEO, Cedric Guilleminot .
“A new chapter lies ahead in which ONOMO will expand through ownership, partnership and management services,” ONOMO hotel CEO said adding that, “With its unique local knowledge, investors across the continent can partner with the new hotel group in a range of African countries,”
Speaking on the hotel’s acquisition, BON Hotels CEO, Guy Stehlik said, “Becoming part of ONOMO Hotels is good news for BON Hotels’ existing and future partners, giving them access to a bigger client database, a stronger distribution platform, and increased purchasing power.”
“Our clients will benefit from the unique presence of ONOMO and BON Hotels across Africa and a wider-reaching loyalty programme.”
Stehlik also noted that the merger promises major growth opportunities for the company and for all stakeholders.
According to Stehlik, more than 3000 new work opportunities are likely to be created, which is significant news for a continent with so much need for new jobs and skills development.
The strategic partnership between the two hotels reflects their ongoing confidence in Africa as the go-to region for economic opportunities and growth potential, particularly in tourism.
The deal will bring a greater variety of accommodation options to both business and leisure travellers, meaning the continent is able to offer more and attract further tourism.
