Equity International fully exits SAMHI Hotels investment

30 Apr 2025 CW Team

Equity International made its first investment in SAMHI in 2011 and remained its largest shareholder for most of the company’s history. Blue Chandra Pte. Ltd. (Blue Chandra), an affiliate of Equity International, sold approximately 49.8% of its equity holdings during SAMHI’s Initial Public Offering in September 2023. In March 2024, Blue Chandra sold an additional 27.0% of its original interest, retaining 8,721,414 shares. The sale of the remaining 23.2% was completed on 29 April 2025.

SAMHI has grown from a business plan at the time of Equity International’s initial investment to a portfolio of 34 hotels (including three under development), comprising over 5,500 keys (including 700 under development), with a diverse geographic presence across 13 cities in India. Equity International initially identified SAMHI as a compelling investment opportunity, citing India’s economic growth, favourable demographics, and urbanisation trends driving demand in the travel and tourism sector. SAMHI’s focus on scaling its hospitality platform by operating under international brands set it apart from regional competitors.

“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 recognised Ashish and the SAMHI team as high-quality partners with impressive prior experience in the hospitality sector. 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 monetisation philosophy. We wish the SAMHI team success in their future endeavours,” commented Tom Heneghan, Chief Executive Officer of Equity International.

Equity International Management, LLC (Equity International), a private equity firm founded by Sam Zell, has announced the sale of its remaining stake in SAMHI Hotels Limited (SAMHI), a hotel ownership and asset management platform in India. SAMHI operates brands including Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn Express by IHG. The company’s shares are listed on BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) under the ticker symbol SAMHI. Equity International made its first investment in SAMHI in 2011 and remained its largest shareholder for most of the company’s history. Blue Chandra Pte. Ltd. (Blue Chandra), an affiliate of Equity International, sold approximately 49.8% of its equity holdings during SAMHI’s Initial Public Offering in September 2023. In March 2024, Blue Chandra sold an additional 27.0% of its original interest, retaining 8,721,414 shares. The sale of the remaining 23.2% was completed on 29 April 2025. SAMHI has grown from a business plan at the time of Equity International’s initial investment to a portfolio of 34 hotels (including three under development), comprising over 5,500 keys (including 700 under development), with a diverse geographic presence across 13 cities in India. Equity International initially identified SAMHI as a compelling investment opportunity, citing India’s economic growth, favourable demographics, and urbanisation trends driving demand in the travel and tourism sector. SAMHI’s focus on scaling its hospitality platform by operating under international brands set it apart from regional competitors. “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 recognised Ashish and the SAMHI team as high-quality partners with impressive prior experience in the hospitality sector. 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 monetisation philosophy. We wish the SAMHI team success in their future endeavours,” commented Tom Heneghan, Chief Executive Officer of Equity International.

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