Equity International has been long-term partner, says Jakhanwala,
Equity International Management, LLC, a private equity firm founded by Sam Zell, has sold its remaining stake in Mumbai-listed SAMHI Hotels Limited, a hotel ownership and asset management platform in India with operating brands including Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Sheraton and Holiday Inn Express by IHG.
Equity International made its first investment in SAMHI in 2011 and has been its largest shareholder for most of its history. Blue Chandra Pte Ltd, an affiliate company of Equity International, sold approximately 49.8% of its equity holdings in the company in conjunction with SAMHI’s Initial Public Offering in September 2023.
In March 2024, Blue Chandra sold an additional 27.0% of its initial interest in SAMHI, retaining 8,721,414 shares. The sale of the remaining 23.2% of shares was completed on April 29, 2025.
SAMHI grew from a business plan at the time of Equity International’s initial investment to a current portfolio of 34 hotels (includes 3 under development) comprising over 5,500 keys (includes 700 keys under development) and a diverse geographic presence in 13 cities across India.
Equity International initially identified SAMHI as a compelling investment opportunity based on India’s economic growth, favorable demographics, and urbanization with the potential to drive demand in the travel and tourism sector. SAMHI’s focus on scaling the hospitality platform by operating under international brands differentiated the company from other competitors in the region.
“Equity International has been an invaluable long-term partner that helped guide SAMHI’s growth and accelerate the expansion of our platform,” said Ashish Jakhanwala, chairman, managing director and chief executive officer of SAMHI.
“Equity International and Sam Zell recognized Ashish and the SAMHI team as high-quality partners with impressive prior experience in the hospitality sector,” commented Tom Heneghan, chief executive officer of Equity International.
“This sale marks the full exit of Equity International’s interest in the company, which is part of the normal course of our ongoing portfolio management activity and disciplined monetization philosophy,” Heneghan said on 29 April. Fiinews.com
