Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide (SPW), a Japanese hospitality operator, announced the acquisition of Ace Group International (AGI), parent company of Ace Hotel and its in-house creative agency Atelier Ace. The acquisition was completed through SPW’s newly established US subsidiary, Ace Hotels Worldwide Inc.
Under the agreement, Ace Hotel will operate as a subsidiary of SPW’s hotel division while retaining independence in brand and creative direction. The acquisition, said the announcement, “preserves Ace’s distinct and beloved approach to hospitality and ensures continuity of the values that have defined the company since its founding in Seattle in 1999.”
Yoshiki Kaneda, CEO of SPW, said the purchase “marks an important milestone in SPW’s journey to become a truly global hotel group with Japanese roots.” Ace Hotel, he said, “brings a distinctive cultural spirit that perfectly complements our portfolio.”
SPW ‘s portfolio includes properties in Tokyo, Kyoto, New York, Singapore, Bahrain and Hawaii, offering everything from luxury urban hotels and ryokans to ski resorts and golf retreats.
Brad Wilson, chairman of Ace Hotel, said, “Over the past decade, we’ve grown the Ace brand globally while staying true to our founding principles: transforming historic buildings, contributing to neighborhood revitalization, and creating places that honor culture and community.” Seibu Prince, he said, “shares these values, and with their strategic vision and international reach, we can continue to safeguard Ace’s independent spirit while taking the brand to new heights.”
The Ace brand portfolio comprises eight hotel properties, including in New York, Kyoto, Brooklyn (N.Y.) and the recently opened Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens. Development projects currently in progress include Ace Hotel Fukuoka, slated for opening in 2027, with further expansion anticipated across North America, Asia and Europe.
Chris Penn, CEO of Ace Hotel, said, “Our partnership with SPW provides the platform to accelerate expansion, strengthen our market presence and deliver long-term value, while staying true to Ace’s distinct hospitality model rooted in cultural engagement and creative expression.”
