Grand Metropolitan Hotels has announced the takeover of London-based Signature Hotels, marking its expansion into the UK and India. The Zurich-headquartered group said the deal strengthens its upscale hotel portfolio and broadens its presence across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Signature Hotels operates boutique and upper-midscale properties across London, with two additional openings scheduled within the next year. The acquisition gives Grand Metropolitan Hotels (GMH) a strong foothold in the UK’s competitive hospitality sector while enabling entry into India’s fast-growing hotel market, where Signature has two projects under development.
Strategic Expansion and Shared Values
“Signature Hotels offers a powerful combination of local credibility and international ambition,” said Martin R. Smura, Founder and Chairman of Grand Metropolitan Hotels. “London remains one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world, and Signature’s operational strength there, coupled with its ties to India, provides GMH with an immediate and meaningful platform for growth.”
According to the company, the acquisition aligns two family-led hospitality groups united by shared values and a long-term commitment to sustainable and people-focused growth. Signature Hotels is known for its emphasis on individuality, local character, and social responsibility—principles that reflect GMH’s approach to purposeful hospitality and ethical development.
Leadership Continuity and Brand Integration
Following the takeover, Ramesh Arora, Chief Executive Officer of Signature Hotels, will join the Supervisory Board of Grand Metropolitan Hotels. Arora brings more than four decades of international experience across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, having received accolades such as Hotelier of the Year by PATA and the Lifetime Contribution to Hotels and Tourism award by Stardust.
“This partnership brings together two family businesses with aligned values and a shared belief in hospitality as a force for good,” said Arora. “By joining GMH, we strengthen our ability to grow internationally while staying true to our purpose of delivering authentic, locally inspired experiences.”
Grand Metropolitan Hotels will integrate Signature Hotels’ operational and management teams into its existing structure to ensure a smooth transition. The Signature brand will remain part of GMH’s portfolio and evolve as a boutique lifestyle label within the group’s expanding ecosystem of independent hotel brands.
The move supports Grand Metropolitan’s global growth strategy, which prioritizes partnerships with purpose-driven hotel groups that share its focus on people, place, and long-term sustainability. With the addition of Signature Hotels, GMH reinforces its position as one of the leading family-operated hospitality companies expanding across multiple continents.
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.
