Hutson will continue as Chairman of the company and will retain a stake in the business. Tom Ross, previously Group Operations Director, has taken on the role of Managing Director. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2011, The Pig Hotels are a much-loved collection of award-winning rural boutique hotels with acclaimed restaurants built on a commitment to environmental sustainability. Each of the eight properties is located in the countryside throughout southern England and features homegrown food in a relaxed setting. What cannot be grown on site is primarily sourced from within 25 miles of each Pig location.
Jonathan Hubbard, Head of Hospitality EMEA at Cushman & Wakefield, said: "We are delighted to have been able to advise Robin Hutson and the existing investors on the transaction with KSL. He and his team have done a fantastic job to create The Pig Group and introducing KSL as a new investor will accelerate the future growth of the hugely successful hotels whilst retaining the existing management with Robin as Chairman. The brand has demonstrated its resilience and market appeal throughout the pandemic and has huge potential for further growth.”
Tina Yu, Principal, KSL Capital Partners, said: “Having been admirers of what Robin has built over the last decade, we could not be more excited to work hand-in-hand with him and the entire team, and to help continue the growth of The Pig. The team at The Pig has created something truly unique and exceptional: hotels set in the English countryside which are dedicated to providing genuine hospitality and are at the forefront of environmental responsibility. We look forward to being part of this journey and supporting the management team.”
KSL has invested exclusively in travel and leisure businesses for over 30 years. With KSL’s backing, the company will seek to add additional Pig hotels through the acquisition and development of complementary properties throughout the UK.
Robin Hutson said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us all at The Pig to focus on the future with an experienced team specialising in hospitality. KSL invests in some of the most iconic and well-known hotels in the world and has had great success preserving what makes each asset unique. The investment will allow us to continue to grow and expand our collection, while offering our guests the same home away from home quality they expect at each of our hotels.”
