Equity International fully exits SAMHI Hotels investment
30 Apr 2025
2 Min Read
CW Team
Equity International Management, LLC (Equity International), a private equity firm founded by Sam Zell, has announced the sale of its remaining stake in SAMHI Hotels Limited (SAMHI), a hotel ownership and asset management platform in India. SAMHI operates brands including Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn Express by IHG. The company’s shares are listed on BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) under the ticker symbol SAMHI.
Equity International made its first investment in SAMHI in 2011 and remained its largest shareholder for most of the company’s history. Blue Chandra Pte. Ltd. (Blue Chandra), an affiliate of Equity International, sold approximately 49.8% of its equity holdings during SAMHI’s Initial Public Offering in September 2023. In March 2024, Blue Chandra sold an additional 27.0% of its original interest, retaining 8,721,414 shares. The sale of the remaining 23.2% was completed on 29 April 2025.
SAMHI has grown from a business plan at the time of Equity International’s initial investment to a portfolio of 34 hotels (including three under development), comprising over 5,500 keys (including 700 under development), with a diverse geographic presence across 13 cities in India. Equity International initially identified SAMHI as a compelling investment opportunity, citing India’s economic growth, favourable demographics, and urbanisation trends driving demand in the travel and tourism sector. SAMHI’s focus on scaling its hospitality platform by operating under international brands set it apart from regional competitors.
“Equity International has been an invaluable long-term partner that helped guide SAMHI’s growth and accelerate the expansion of our platform,� said Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of SAMHI.
“Equity International and Sam Zell recognised Ashish and the SAMHI team as high-quality partners with impressive prior experience in the hospitality sector. This sale marks the full exit of Equity International’s interest in the company, which is part of the normal course of our ongoing portfolio management activity and disciplined monetisation philosophy. We wish the SAMHI team success in their future endeavours,� commented Tom Heneghan, Chief Executive Officer of Equity International.
Equity International Management, LLC (Equity International), a private equity firm founded by Sam Zell, has announced the sale of its remaining stake in SAMHI Hotels Limited (SAMHI), a hotel ownership and asset management platform in India. SAMHI operates brands including Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn Express by IHG. The company’s shares are listed on BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) under the ticker symbol SAMHI.
Equity International made its first investment in SAMHI in 2011 and remained its largest shareholder for most of the company’s history. Blue Chandra Pte. Ltd. (Blue Chandra), an affiliate of Equity International, sold approximately 49.8% of its equity holdings during SAMHI’s Initial Public Offering in September 2023. In March 2024, Blue Chandra sold an additional 27.0% of its original interest, retaining 8,721,414 shares. The sale of the remaining 23.2% was completed on 29 April 2025.
SAMHI has grown from a business plan at the time of Equity International’s initial investment to a portfolio of 34 hotels (including three under development), comprising over 5,500 keys (including 700 under development), with a diverse geographic presence across 13 cities in India. Equity International initially identified SAMHI as a compelling investment opportunity, citing India’s economic growth, favourable demographics, and urbanisation trends driving demand in the travel and tourism sector. SAMHI’s focus on scaling its hospitality platform by operating under international brands set it apart from regional competitors.
“Equity International has been an invaluable long-term partner that helped guide SAMHI’s growth and accelerate the expansion of our platform,� said Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of SAMHI.
“Equity International and Sam Zell recognised Ashish and the SAMHI team as high-quality partners with impressive prior experience in the hospitality sector. This sale marks the full exit of Equity International’s interest in the company, which is part of the normal course of our ongoing portfolio management activity and disciplined monetisation philosophy. We wish the SAMHI team success in their future endeavours,� commented Tom Heneghan, Chief Executive Officer of Equity International.
Next Story
MSME Ministry Invites Applications for National Award 2024
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has acknowledged the significant contributions made by MSME entrepreneurs and aims to motivate and encourage them by presenting National Awards for outstanding performance. Currently, there are 35 National Awards offered to MSMEs across various categories. Special provisions have been made to recognize MSMEs led by women entrepreneurs, those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), and entrepreneurs from the North Eastern Region.Under this scheme, selected MSMEs are honored with a trophy and certificate, along with..
Next Story
MoS Murlidhar Mohol Inaugurates New ATC Tower at Kolhapur Airport
Today marked a significant moment for Maharashtra’s aviation growth as Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol inaugurated the new ATC Tower cum Technical Block cum Fire Station at Kolhapur Airport, and flagged off the inaugural Star Air flight between Kolhapur and Nagpur. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and proactive guidance of Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu, these upgrades aim to enhance air safety, bolster emergency services, and strengthen regional air connectivity across Maharashtra. The Minister expressed deep g..
Next Story
BCAS Revokes Security Clearance of Celebi Over National Security
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of Celebi and its associated companies on grounds related to national security.Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Govt of India, Ram Mohan Naidu has made it clear that nothing is above the security of our nation and our fellow citizens. National interest and public safety are paramount and non-negotiable.At the same time, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is fully committed to ensuring that passenger convenience, cargo operations, and service continuity remain unaffected. Arrangements have been made at all affected air..