Gravity Capital Acquires Grand Metropolitan Hotels Stake

Gravity Capital has finalized its acquisition of a significant stake in Grand Metropolitan Hotels Holding B.V., a Dutch entity previously structured as a joint venture. This strategic move marks the conclusion of the partnership between Kingstone Capital AG Switzerland and the Versorgungswerk der Zahnärzte Berlin (VZB). The transaction, effective June 30, 2026, saw Gravity Capital absorb Kingstone Capital UAE, thereby indirectly securing a 70.3% shareholding in the hotel holding company.

As a direct consequence of this acquisition, the former leadership of Grand Metropolitan Hotels Holding B.V., including its directors and Supervisory Board members, have stepped down. The entity will also transition its branding, relinquishing the rights to the Grand Metropolitan name and will henceforth operate under the banner of Gravity Capital Hospitality. This rebranding signifies a new operational chapter for the hospitality assets previously managed under the joint venture.

The separation allows Grand Metropolitan Hotels, the international hotel management and brand group, to pursue its global expansion strategy independently. While Kingstone Capital AG Switzerland has exited the joint venture structure, it remains a committed strategic investor in the broader Grand Metropolitan Hotels Group, continuing to back its international growth initiatives outside of this specific transaction. This dual approach ensures continuity for the group's long-term vision.

Gravity Capital, known for its focus on technology-driven enterprises and investments across sectors like tourism, medical, real estate, and hospitality, has integrated several hospitality technology firms into its portfolio as part of this deal. These include majority interests in Genesis AI, Room Hub, and Xenios. The newly formed Gravity Hospitality Holding has also appointed a fresh executive management team to steer its future direction.

Adding another layer to the separation, Grand Metropolitan 1931 AG, a subsidiary of Kingstone Capital AG Switzerland and the proprietor of the Grand Metropolitan trademark, has revoked the licensing agreement previously granted to the Dutch joint venture company. This move ensures that the Grand Metropolitan Hotels brand is now exclusively associated with entities directly controlled by Kingstone Capital.

The dissolution of the joint venture was reportedly driven by prolonged disagreements and an inability to reach consensus on key strategic decisions, including proposals for share buyouts and capital increases. This deadlock rendered further cooperation unfeasible, necessitating the separation. The future financing structure for the assets previously under the joint venture, which were historically funded by Kingstone Capital Switzerland due to challenges with VZB, will now be determined by the new ownership structure under Gravity Capital.

Looking ahead, Grand Metropolitan Hotels is advancing its asset-light strategy, emphasizing hotel management, branding, franchising, and digital solutions. The group is reportedly in exclusive negotiations for another acquisition within the hotel affiliation sector, with an announcement anticipated in September 2026. This proactive expansion underscores the group's commitment to continued growth and market presence.