ONOMO EMERGES AS A MAJOR AFRICAN HOSPITALITY PLAYER AFTER BON HOTELS ACQUISITION
(Posted 11th December 2019)
Onomo Hotels, already a growing force across Africa with their mid priced three star hotel concept with in fact has redefined the three star segment on the continent, is growing yet further and faster.
The acquisition of over 60 percent of the BON Hotels shares brings another 30 hotels to the Onomo portfolio and adds a further three countries to the Onomo family, such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Namibia – Onomo Hotels is already active in South Africa where BON Hotels also has several properties.
While Onomo Hotels continues to be on their own growth path with hotels planned in Kampala and Dar es Salaam has the acquisition taken their expansion into overdrive.
Onomo’s CEO Cedric Guilleminot said when announcing the deal: ‘The deal positions ONOMO as the leading pan-African mid-scale hospitality group with a footprint spanning 15 countries and with 4 300 rooms and a significant pipeline of 3 000 additional rooms. In addition, the new group now jointly employs some 2 200 people. A new chapter lies ahead in which ONOMO will expand through ownership, partnership and management services. With its unique local knowledge, investors across the continent can partner with the new hotel group in a range of African countries.’
BON Hotels CEO, Guy Stehlik, said the acquisition will have a positive impact on the continent’s economy and added: ‘Becoming part of ONOMO Hotels is good news for BON Hotels’ existing and future partners, giving them access to a bigger client database, a stronger distribution platform, and increased purchasing power. Our clients will benefit from the unique presence of ONOMO and BON Hotels across Africa and a wider-reaching loyalty programme.
Importantly, more than 3 000 new work opportunities are likely to be created, which is significant news for a continent with so much need for new jobs and skills development. The merger promises major growth opportunities for the company and for all stakeholders.’
Both companies have strong family backing and associations. CEO and founder of BON Hotels, Guy Stehlik and his family have a long association with South African and Nigerian hospitality, while ONOMO Hotels owes its history to the investment by Batipart Invest – a company founded and owned by the Luxembourg-based Ruggieri family which is one of the biggest private investors in hospitality in Africa.
The strategic partnership reflects their ongoing confidence in Africa as the go-to region for economic opportunities and growth potential, particularly in tourism. This deal will bring a greater variety of accommodation options to both business and leisure travellers, meaning the continent is able to offer more and attract further tourism. This consolidation is therefore incredibly positive for Africa’s economy and its people.
It is not at this stage known if the existing BON Hotels will all, or in part, be rebranded to become Onomo hotels or if they will retain their BON Hotel identity and be operated, while under the same roof, as a separate brand in this growing group. As BON Hotels operates a number of four star properties in South Africa (and a five star hotel in Nigeria), and in fact according to their company information has one hotel managed by Protea, will this prompt challenges the new owners need to look at.
