Grand Metropolitan Hotels Announces Acquisition of Signature Hotels

Image: Martin Smura and Ramesh Aurora (Photo Credit: Grand Metropolitan Hotels)
Image: Martin Smura and Ramesh Aurora (Photo Credit: Grand Metropolitan Hotels)
Noreen Kompanik
by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 11:40 AM ET, Wed October 29, 2025

Expanding its global portfolio, Grand Metropolitan Hotels (GMH) has announced the takeover of Signature Hotels.

The acquisition will expand the hotel management company’s footprint across the UK, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and India. Signature Hotels currently operates boutique and upper-midscale properties throughout London with two additional properties opening during the next year. Signature also has two properties under development in India.

Grand Metropolitan Hotels’ plan is to integrate Signature Hotels’ operational and management teams into its existing structure, ensuring a seamless transition and continued focus on service excellence. The Signature Hotels brand will remain part of the GMH portfolio and further developed as a boutique lifestyle label within the group’s expanding ecosystem of independent hotel brands.

“Signature Hotels offers a powerful combination of local credibility and international ambition,” said Martin R. Smura, Founder and Chairman of Grand Metropolitan Hotels in a statement. “London remains one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world, and Signature’s operational strength there, coupled with its ties to India, provides GMH with an immediate and meaningful platform for growth.”

Ramesh Arora, current CEO of Signature Hotels group, will be retained as Supervisory Board Member for the Grand Metropolitan Hotels. With over four decades of international experience across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Arora has been recognized with numerous accolades including Hotelier of the Year by PATA and the Lifetime Contribution to Hotels and Tourism award by Stardust.

“This partnership brings together two family businesses with aligned values and a shared belief in hospitality as a force for good,” said Ramesh Arora. “By joining GMH, we strengthen our ability to grow internationally while staying true to our purpose of delivering authentic, locally inspired experiences.”


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