IHCL to Acquire Stake in Clarks Group Companies

NEW DELHI: The Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), the country’s largest hospitality enterprise, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a controlling stake in ANK Hotels Pvt. Ltd. and Pride Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., while also entering a distribution agreement with Brij Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. The promoters of these companies belong to the renowned Clarks Hotels family. With this move, IHCL’s portfolio now exceeds 550 properties.

IHCL Managing Director and CEO Puneet Chhatwal said the alliance marks a significant step in the company’s “Accelerate 2030” roadmap to unlock India’s tourism potential. “The hospitality sector has witnessed sustained demand growth over the past three years. With India’s mid-market segment still under-served, our partnerships with ANK, Pride, and Brij address diverse market needs,” he noted.

The deal will double IHCL’s midscale portfolio, adding over 240 hotels, including 135 properties currently under The Clarks Hotels & Resorts brand, which will be integrated primarily under IHCL’s Ginger brand. Brij Hospitality, with 19 boutique properties in heritage and cultural destinations, will strengthen the group’s experiential luxury segment.

Ankur Dalwani, IHCL’s Executive Vice-President and CFO, said the investment will be funded through internal accruals. The capital will be used to enhance existing assets and support future expansion.

ANK Hotels founder Anoop Kumar called the partnership “a step into new vistas” and a continuation of a legacy dating back to 1947. Aryavir Kumar, promoter of ANK Hotels, described it as “a union of legacies,” while Brij Hotels founders Anant Apurv Kumar and Udit Kumar said the alliance blends IHCL’s century-old tradition of excellence with Brij’s experiential approach, aiming to “honour shared heritage and reveal to the world the timeless beauty of India.”