Bill Gates acquiring controlling stake in Four Seasons

Bill Gates’ private equity firm, Cascade Investment, is poised to take majority control of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts as part of a $2.21bn deal.

Four Seasons said Cascade has agreed to acquire half of a 47.5% percent stake currently owned by an affiliate of Saudi Arabia-based investment group Kingdom Holding Company.

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The transaction, which is expected to close in January, will increase Cascade’s stake in Four Seasons from 47.5% to 71.25%. Kingdom Holding’s affiliate will hold a 23.75% stake.

The remaining 5% stake will continue to be held by Four Seasons founder and chairman Isadore Sharp, under his Triples Holdings Ltd. corporation.

In a statement, Four Seasons said that the deal “marks a pivotal point in the evolution of Four Seasons, strengthening Cascade’s commitment to provide the company with resources to accelerate growth and expand its strategic goals.”

Cascade has been a stakeholder in Four Seasons since 1997.

Four Seasons’ portfolio consists of 121 hotels and resorts and 46 residential properties across 47 countries. 

Source: Travel Weekly

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