IHCL To Acquire Controlling Stakes in Brij Hotels

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed definitive agreements to acquire a 51% stake in Brij Hospitality, the owner of the boutique leisure brand Brij. This will result in IHCL gaining ownership of the Brij brand, with plans to expand its presence in India’s boutique and experiential leisure segment.

The acquisition builds on IHCL’s existing partnership with the Clarks Group and reflects the company’s focus on the growing demand for experiential leisure travel in India. With Brij’s footprint in destinations such as Jaipur, Varanasi, Ranthambore, the northern hills, the North East and Goa, the brand adds diversity across cultural, spiritual and wildlife-led locations within the brand’s portfolio.

Following the transaction, IHCL’s overall portfolio will comprise 610 hotels, including 253 under development, supporting the company’s stated growth roadmap under its Accelerate 2030 strategy.

Brij Hotels operates a portfolio of boutique luxury hotels and resorts known for locally rooted experiences and heritage-led properties. Its first hotel, BrijRama Palace in Varanasi, is positioned as a heritage landmark reflecting the city’s architectural and cultural legacy.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “India’s hospitality sector is witnessing sustained demand growth led by rising disposable income and discretionary spends with a growing preference for experiential leisure. We are delighted to extend our partnership with the Clarks Group by furthering the marketing and distribution alliance to a majority shareholding in Brij Hotels, one of the country’s early entrants in the boutique leisure segment.”

With this acquisition, IHCL through its diverse brandscape consolidates its position as a frontrunner in India’s leisure tourism with market leadership in key cultural, spiritual and wildlife destinations. Brij’s presence in offbeat locations offers heterogeneity to IHCL’s portfolio in places such as Jaipur, Varanasi, Ranthambore, northern hills, the north east region and Goa among others. This takes IHCL’s portfolio to 610 hotels with 253 in the pipeline, well on course to meet our guidance of 700 hotels under Accelerate 2030,” he further added. 

Udit Kumar and Anant Apurv Kumar, Co- Founders of Brij Hospitality, said, “We are excited to partner with IHCL to shape the future of boutique hospitality. Brij Hotels, one of India’s leading boutique hotel chain, is recognised for creating immersive, locally rooted experiences that celebrate the country’s cultural diversity. IHCL’s enduring legacy of presenting Indian hospitality to the world aligns deeply with our purpose at Brij. Together, we will bring IHCL’s tradition of excellence with Brij’s experiential, design- led approach to craft meaningful journeys and build the first truly global Indian boutique hospitality brand.”