GNH merger with Hotel Partnership creates one of Europe's largest independent hotel services companies

Great National Hotels and Resorts has completed the merger with The Hotel Partnership for an undisclosed sum.

The merger brings the group to a combined total of 135 hotels, making it one of the largest independent hotel services companies in Europe with 8,150 bedrooms.

Founded in 2010, Great National currently represents 64 mainly 3-star deluxe and 4-star independent hotels and resorts throughout Ireland and the UK.

The group also co-owns several of these hotels, which are operated under management contracts.

The Hotel Partnership, established in 2001, trades under the brand ‘Classic British Hotels’ and comprises a collection of 71 four and five-star properties throughout the UK.

The group will continue to operate under the two independent brands, but will combine their technology, marketing and distribution services.

“Our companies specialise in tapping latent growth and accelerating revenues for independent hotels across a range of complementing market sectors, from leisure to corporate," said David Byrne, Great National CEO and co-founder.

The announcement comes on the back of Great National securing a second round of investment by Enterprise Ireland.

Great National is also set to announce further investment in Q3 2018 following a second-round equity release. Funds from this will also be re-invested into the business to further strengthen both brands and to secure future growth.