Minor Hotel Group Adds Three Mozambique Properties to its Portfolio
To be Reflagged with Anantara and AVANI Brands
Bangkok - April 14, 2014 - Minor Hotel Group (MHG), operator of over 100 hotels, resorts and serviced suites in 14 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is pleased to announce the addition of three properties in Mozambique to its portfolio and a 25% equity investment in the properties. They will be reflagged to MHG's Anantara and AVANI brands later this year and take the total number of MHG properties in operation to 108 and the total number of rooms to over 13,000.
This investment is part of MHG's strategy to expand its footprint globally and increase the group's presence in Mozambique, which represents a continued investment in the long term strategic partnership agreement MHG has with Dubai-based Rani Investment LLC. The two organisations formed a joint venture company in August 2013 for the ownership of Indigo Bay Resort & Spa in Mozambique, which was re-branded to Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa in November.
The three properties are located on the northern coastline of Mozambique, operating as part of the Rani Resorts portfolio. On the mainland, the 185-key Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa will be rebranded to AVANI Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa. Located in the Quirimbas Archipelago, the exclusive boutique island properties - Medjumbe Private Island with 13 chalets and Matemo Island, currently with 24 villas - will both be rebranded to Anantara. Matemo Island is currently closed for an extensive renovation and the addition of more keys. All three properties will be rebranded by the end of 2014.
MHG's strategic partnership with Rani Investment LLC continues to explore opportunities in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, and in the vibrant East Africa market to further strengthen MHG's presence on the continent. These properties will be a mix of new-build and rebrand and will be flagged with MHG's international hotel brands, including the luxury Anantara brand, the upscale AVANI brand and the serviced apartment Oaks brand which is currently expanding into Asia and the Middle East.
Rani Investment is the investment arm of Aujan Group Holding with more than US$300 million of dedicated investments in the Middle East and Africa. Rani Investment is the largest private hospitality owner-operator in Mozambique, having first established its presence in 1999 under the Rani Resorts name
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group, commented, "This latest investment in three hotels in Mozambique demonstrates Minor Hotel Group's commitment to the country's growing tourism sector and more widely to the overall African tourism market. We are actively exploring other opportunities to expand our footprint in Africa through the expansion of all our brands and are very excited about these latest additions to our portfolio in Mozambique."
Salim Bitar, CEO Rani Investment LLC, added, "The expansion of our relationship with the Minor Hotel Group is a further commitment we are making to Mozambique, and a statement that Rani will continue to play a leading role in the sustainable growth and development of the tourism and hospitality sector in the country."
About Minor Hotel Group (MHG)
Minor Hotel Group (MHG) is a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 108 hotels and serviced suites in operation under the Anantara, AVANI, Per AQUUM, Oaks, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis and Minor International brands. Today MHG operates in 14 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean. With ambitious plans to grow the hotel group to 150 properties, MHG continues to expand the home grown brand of Anantara and its newest brand, AVANI, plus continues to announce strategic acquisitions. For more information, please visit www.minorinternational.com.
About Rani Investment
Rani Investment is a Dubai based Investment firm for Aujan Group Holding with more than $300 million of committed investments in the Middle East and Africa. Its mission is to ensure superior returns to its shareholders through pioneering investments that are guided by its philosophy of long term horizon and tolerance for measured risks. Aujan Group Holding is active in a wide range of industry sectors, including soft drinks, packaging materials, hospitality, real estate and mining. With a history dating back over a hundred years, Aujan Group Holding has successfully leveraged its geographical footprint and industry experience to become a regional corporate powerhouse. The Group's operations are focused on the fast growing Middle East, North Africa and Southern Africa regions, but its brands are present in more than 70 countries across the globe.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
