DLA Piper advises Abu Dhabi's ADNEC on acquisition of DoubleTree By Hilton London ExCel

DLA Piper has advised the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), part of ADQ and owner of the London ExCel centre, on the acquisition of a new hotel to its portfolio: the DoubleTree By Hilton London ExCel.

The addition brings ADNEC’s total portfolio of hotels to six, with other hotels under management including the Aloft Abu Dhabi, Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Abu Dhabi, and the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in the UAE. It also owns the Aloft London ExCeL.

The acquisition is the latest significant development in ADNEC Group’s hospitality business. The move represents the company’s long-term vision, alongside its readiness to lead the post-pandemic recovery phase. The completion of the transfer of the hotel to ADNEC is effective immediately.

The DoubleTree By Hilton London ExCel is situated directly adjacent to the London’s pre-eminent exhibition centre, ExCeL London, which is also under the ownership of ADNEC Group. The nine floor hotel, built in 2011, contains 287 keys. Situated on the banks of the Royal Docks, near Canary Wharf, the hotel contains a range of dining and leisure outlets for guests.

The DLA Piper UK-based team was led by Corporate partner Ben Forgiel-Jenkins, alongside Real Estate partner Paul Jayson and Global Co-Chair, Hospitality and Leisure, Matt Duncombe. They were assisted by associates Hugo Cliff and Harvey Clark.

Partner Paul Jayson commented: “This acquisition comes in line with ADNEC’s long-term investment strategy and will further support both the UAE and British business and leisure tourism sectors. The DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel London ExCel is an excellent real estate asset in a strategically important location and we are delighted to have advised ADNEC on this high-profile transaction in the London market.”

Caroline Grange, General Counsel at ExCeL London, said: “The DLA Piper team worked seamlessly with us, and our other advisers, to execute this corporate transaction. Led by Paul and Ben, the team were responsive and pragmatic and helped bring the deal to a successful conclusion. We look forward to working with DLA Piper on future transactions.”