Equity International’s Portfolio Company, SAMHI Hotels Limited, Completes its IPO

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The Future of Indian Hospitality: SAMHI Hotels Limited Successfully Goes Public

SAMHI Hotels Limited, India's leading hotel ownership and asset management platform, has achieved a significant milestone by completing its initial public offering (IPO). The company's shares are now listed on the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited under the ticker symbol SAMHI. This achievement marks a new chapter in SAMHI's growth and solidifies its position as the third largest hotel ownership and asset management platform in India.

Equity International, a renowned private equity firm founded by Sam Zell, played a crucial role in SAMHI's journey. Since its investment in 2011, Equity International has been the largest shareholder of SAMHI, providing capital, strategic guidance, and unwavering support. In conjunction with the IPO, Blue Chandra Pte. Ltd., an affiliate company of Equity International, has sold approximately 50% of its equity holdings in SAMHI.

SAMHI's success can be attributed to its visionary leadership, led by Ashish Jakhanwala, the chairman, managing director, and CEO of the company. Under Jakhanwala's guidance, SAMHI has strategically partnered with renowned international brands such as Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn Express by IHG. This unique approach has set SAMHI apart from its competitors and positioned it as a dominant force in India's hospitality industry.

Equity International identified the immense potential in SAMHI's concept and recognized the entrepreneurial spirit of Ashish Jakhanwala. With India's strong economic growth and rapid urbanization, the long-term prospects for the country's travel and tourism sector were undeniable. SAMHI's focus on scaling a hospitality-oriented platform using international brands resonated with Equity International's investment strategy.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unforeseen challenges for the hospitality industry, including SAMHI. However, the resilience and determination of the SAMHI management team, combined with the support from Equity International, enabled the company to navigate through these difficult times successfully. Today, SAMHI is not only surviving but thriving, a testament to the strength of its business model and the dedication of its team.

Tom Heneghan, CEO of Equity International, expressed his admiration for SAMHI's remarkable achievement, stating, "SAMHI's IPO is a testament to Sam Zell's willingness to invest in an entrepreneur and Ashish's determination and resilience. Like most businesses in the hospitality industry, SAMHI faced incredible challenges due to the pandemic. Today, a decade after Equity International's investment, SAMHI stands tall and successful. Sam Zell would undoubtedly be proud of Ashish and the entire SAMHI management team."

Equity International was founded by Sam Zell in 1999 and is headquartered in Chicago. With a focus on investing outside of the United States, the firm specializes in making entity-level investments in real estate and infrastructure-related operating companies. Leveraging its extensive network and experience, Equity International builds institutional businesses alongside strong operating partners.

SAMHI Hotels Limited operates a portfolio of 31 hotels with an impressive 4,801 operational keys under long-term management contracts with renowned hotel operators such as Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG. The company's operations span across 12 key urban consumption centers in India, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, National Capital Region, Pune, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. SAMHI's shareholders include Equity International, LLC, Asiya Capital, Goldman Sachs Investments Holdings, GTI Capital Alpha Pvt Ltd, International Finance Corporation, and Sarvara Investment Fund I.

As SAMHI Hotels Limited embarks on this new chapter as a publicly listed company, the future looks promising for the Indian hospitality industry. With its strong portfolio and strategic partnerships, SAMHI is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for quality accommodations in India's thriving urban centers. The success of SAMHI's IPO is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the company, its management team, and its invaluable partnership with Equity International.