Kimpton Hotels' Secret Santa Turned Out to Be InterContinental Hotel Group

That Kimpton has been looking for a buyer is not really news. Marriott went down this road with Kimpton a few years ago but it didn't work out. Earlier today, the WSJ had an article on this actually. So it was to be expected really. But still, there is always something so deeply distressing about a massive company taking over a smaller one, especially in the hospitality business where so much of the experience depends on the personalized service and attention a guest receives. On the bright side, maybe this means Kimpton will open in London now where IHG is based? And we really doubt IHG will change Kimpton that much, since they are essentially buying what has worked best for Kimpton all these years--fun decor, fun F&B offerings, fun perks and affordable rates. So far, no word about Kimpton's new loyalty program, Kimpton Karma but we'll be following up with that soon. There's a conference call happening tomorrow in London, which is like, tonight at 12:30am West Coast time. We will probably listen to it if we haven't yet passed out on under the Christmas tree. (We'll do anything for British accents.) We'll update in the morning with the news. In the meantime, here are statements from IHG's and Kimpton's top execs. Richard Solomons, Chief Executive Officer of IHG

“Kimpton is a well-established and highly successful business that has built an industry leading position in the US. It has created a portfolio of world-class hotels and destination restaurants, and the distinctive and innovative Kimpton brand will fit perfectly into the IHG brand family. Adding Kimpton to our portfolio of preferred brands creates the world's largest boutique hotel business. The acquisition is another step in IHG's well-established asset-light strategy of investing in high-quality growth, building on a strong track record of developing iconic global brands. We will use our scale, network of owner relationships, and powerful digital platforms to accelerate Kimpton's growth both within the US and internationally. The hugely talented Kimpton team will continue to be led by Mike DeFrino, currently Kimpton's COO, and I am delighted to welcome all of Kimpton's associates and owners to the IHG family. The culture and values of both companies are well aligned and Kimpton will bring a wealth of expertise and specialist skills to IHG.”

Mike Depatie, Chief Executive Officer of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

"Kimpton is a unique business with a strong track record of excellence in everything from design and innovative hotel concepts to financial and operational performance. It also has enormous potential for growth, both in its home market of the US and globally. IHG is the ideal partner for Kimpton and has absolutely the right experience and specialist capabilities to help the business move to the next phase of rapid growth. Kimpton and IHG have many things in common, not least our shared values and approach to building brands. As an owner of a significant number of Kimpton hotels through our real estate investment funds, I am committed to developing additional Kimpton hotels and I look forward to seeing Kimpton go from strength to strength as part of IHG.”