Sweden-based HoistLocatel has announced its intention to acquire Swisscom Hospitality Services to create a European powerhouse in the provision of technology solutions to the hospitality and healthcare industries.
The resulting company, Hoist Group, is set to become the European leader for convergent IP solutions in these sectors with a strong North American presence.
HoistLocatel, the leader in the provision of software, hardware and leasing solutions to EMEA’s hospitality industry, today announced its intention to acquire Geneva-based Swisscom Hospitality Services (SHS) for an undisclosed amount.
SHS has been active for more than 12 years in the provision of high-speed internet access services (HSIA), interactive entertainment systems (IPTV), conference solutions and managed network services for hotels and conference centres in the EMEA region and in North America.
SHS currently serves more than 2,000 sites, encompassing 260,000 guest rooms, with its convergent IP services. In 2014, SHS has seen its installed customer base grow by 20% as the demand for quality HSIA services, as well as for hospitality-specific IP network design and installation skills, has been rising substantially.
The new Hoist Group, headquartered in Stockholm and Paris, would generate a combined revenue of €150m with 650 staff, giving it the critical mass to serve the entire market’s technology needs.
Hoist Group president Malcolm Lindblom said: "SHS is complementary to our group, it strengthens our offering in all key areas: products with its Fusion HSIA gateway, geography with its strong presence in Continental Europe and customers with its established global chain relationships."
SHS chairman of the board Ueli Dietiker said: "Companies need to be of considerable international scale to be competitive and cost-efficient in the highly competitive hospitality market.
"We are pleased to have found in HoistLocatel a partner with a strong footprint in the sector. Together we would be able to achieve the necessary scale to build a successful future and to provide our customers with a range of best-in-breed products."
Swisscom Hospitality CEO Alfonso Tasso said: "I’m very excited by this next step in our company’s growth.
"The integration with HoistLocatel will allow us to enter the independent hotel market and bring a new set of solutions that are highly complementary to our offering. The integration of our multiple product features will create a real differentiator, enabling advanced personalisation of the hotel guest’s digital journey."
The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks. SHS’s executive team will stay in place and lead the integration of the two companies.
The acquisition is still subject to certain conditions prior to closing. Visit the company website for more information.