INVESTMENT
WE HAVE THE WILL , WE HAVE THE WAYS TO INCREASE OUR GROWTH . THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR US IS TO KEEP GROWING , AND THAT ’ S WHAT WE DO WELL .
based investors snapping up property in a market like Spain . Many of them have existing relationships with Aimbridge in the States and will now more instantly recognize the name and reputation in a
- MARK TAMIS
foreign market like Spain . “ Choosing the largest third-party operator in the world , rather than a division of one , obviously is a great strength ,” Anderson says . “ It ’ s going to help us really put our footprint into Europe going forward .”
In addition to the usual synergies that come with scale , Anderson adds that the change will also generate greater agility and allow Aimbridge EMEA to pick up the pace on implementing proprietary operating tools , for example . He cites big technologyrelated deals being done at Aimbridge in the U . S . right now which previously required Interstate to draw up distinct contracts with vendors . That red tape goes away with every unit now falling under the Aimbridge umbrella .
“ It ’ s really about being not only the world ’ s largest third-party hotel manager , but being the best ,” adds Mark Tamis , who in May 2022 became president of global operations for Aimbridge . “ That was the impetus for us to create six operating divisions – so each division can become hyperfocused partnering with their owners to maximize value .”
GROWTH PROSPECTS When asked about the pipeline in EMEA , again , Tamis and Anderson mention the strength of the Aimbridge name translating well to markets where it is seriously prospecting for opportunities today , including Germany , Iberia , as well as the DAC and Gulf regions . While they wouldn ’ t cite specifics in mid-September , they do expect a number of deals , including portfolios , to transact before the end of 2022 .
“ The pipeline has been building strongly in the last 12 months because we ’ ve had focus more into Europe , rather than just the U . K .,” Anderson says . “ So , we ’ re very excited and hopefully we ’ ll be able to announce deals in the coming six to 12 months about entering into new territories .”
Further elaborating on deal potential , Anderson refers to Iberia , which he says in the last five years has been much more M & A-driven with transactions volume reaching north of US $ 3 billion and approximately 58 % of those deals involving U . S . -based investors . “ That certainly helps us ,” he adds .
A potential deterrent to growth , however , must be macroeconomics . “ Some of the deals have been slowed down by funds ’ inability to leverage capital right now ,” Anderson says . “ But at the same time , we have the ability to swing toward investors that don ’ t require bank debt . We are actually in discussions on a number
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