CHICAGO AND NEW YORK CITY — Hyatt Hotels Corp. (NYSE: H) has agreed to acquire the brands and most of the affiliates of lifestyle hospitality company Standard International, parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands. The transaction is anticipated to close later this year. The acquired portfolio will be 100 percent asset-light and includes management, franchise and license contracts for 11 open hotels with approximately 2,000 rooms, including The Standard, London; The Standard, High Line in New York City; The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon; and boutique properties like Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas; and Hotel San Cristóbal in Baja California, Mexico. Upon closing, Hyatt will pay a base purchase price of $150 million, with up to an additional $185 million over time as additional properties enter the portfolio. The Standard hotels have attracted a loyal following among the most discerning lifestyle guests, says Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Chicago-based Hyatt. “These properties truly drive the zeitgeist, creating destinations unto themselves with celebrated and talked-about programming and events, such as the Met Gala afterparty.” With this acquisition, Hyatt will form a new dedicated lifestyle group that will be headquartered in New York City and led by Amar Lalvani, …
