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The Abu Dhabi Development Fund (ADFD) announced that it has entered into a US$104.8 million (AED385 million) agreement with Minor InternationalPublic Company Limited (“MINT”) to jointly hold shares in five tourism resort assets in Thailand, including Bangkok Anantara Riverside Resort, Avani and Riverside Bangkok Hotel, Riverside Plaza Bangkok, Anantara Layan Resort Phuket and Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.
This is ADFD’s first investment in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality sector, which is key to the country’s overall economy and accounts for 20% of the country’s total GDP. Through MINT, ADFD partners with one of the largest hospitality and leisure companies in the Asia Pacific region, operating more than 520 hotels and resorts. ADFD invests in five properties totaling more than 760 rooms and supporting nearly 500 jobs.
His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “Tourism has long been an important driver of Thailand’s economy and an important part of the country’s employment base. We see great potential for the future development of Thailand’s tourism and hospitality industries. Given that MINT’s leading position as the strongest hotel operator in Thailand, this long-term investment partnership complements our investment strategy to jointly promote economic growth in partner countries.”
Mr Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive Officer of Minor International, said: “This transaction demonstrates our ongoing commitment to strengthening our balance sheet and strengthening our liquidity position to ensure we are well positioned for the recovery and long-term growth to come. Delighted in our long-term partnership with ADFD and look forward to working together in the future to strengthen our presence in the countries where we operate together.”
The equity structure of the joint venture will be 60% held by MINT and 40% by ADFD of each asset. The transaction’s valuation reflects ADFD’s strong confidence in MINT Asset Management’s performance and future economic forecasts for Thailand’s tourism and hospitality industry.
For MINT, the investment in ADFD will reduce the company’s debt levels and strengthen its balance sheet position. The five assets will continue to operate under the existing brands and will be controlled by MINT.
Established in 1971, ADFD is the UAE’s leading bilateral development finance institution, funding sustainable and inclusive growth in the UAE and developing countries. The fund also maintains a robust investment portfolio with a primary focus on investing in public and private companies, government bonds and private equity funds that help ADFD invest in the country’s economic growth.
ADFD’s investment strategy is to invest in companies that play a key role in key strategic sectors such as tourism, industrials, holding companies, real estate and private equity and play a key role in stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.
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