Skift Take
The IPO is a big deal for The Leela Hotels and could pave the way for more investment in luxury tourism just as demand for premium travel is booming.
Schloss Bangalore, the luxury hospitality group behind India's The Leela Palaces, has filed for a massive $599 million (INR 50 billion) IPO, the largest ever in India's hotel industry. The company seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for high-end accommodations in India while also paying down debt.
Schloss Bangalore’s Draft Red Herring Prospectus was submitted Friday and outlines ambitious plans. The company aims to raise $359 million (INR 30 billion) through fresh share issuance, while Project Ballet Bangalore Holdings, an affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management, will sell shares worth $240 million (INR 20 billion). Brookfield's stake stems from its 2019 acquisition of Leela’s assets in bankruptcy.
With 3,382 keys across 12 operating hotels in 10 Indian cities, The Leela is already a pro