February Week 2: Private equity firm acquires Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch in major deal.

Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch, the 164-room flagship that introduced the brand to Europe in 2017, changes hands in major acquisition.

Private equity firm Limestone Capital has acquired the Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch, marking a significant move in its strategy to expand across key European markets.

The 164-bedroom hotel, located in East London, first opened its doors in 2017 as the debut European property for Nobu Hospitality, the globally renowned lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper.

Strategic Expansion in Hospitality

Limestone Capital, which already owns hotels in Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain, emphasised that the acquisition aligns with its long-term investment strategy.

Benjamin Habbel, co-founder and CEO of Limestone Capital, stated:

“We are pleased to add the Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch to our portfolio as we continue to expand our presence in key gateway cities. This acquisition underscores our confidence in the resilience of the London hospitality market and supports our strategy of acquiring well-located assets with strong value-add potential.”

His sentiments were echoed by Jeff Coe, co-founder and general partner at Limestone Capital, who added:

“This property represents an attractive opportunity in a highly sought-after location. Our focus remains on acquiring prime real estate assets to enhance their performance and long-term value.”

The Nobu Brand’s Global Influence

Nobu Hospitality began as a high-end restaurant venture in New York in 1994 and has since grown into a world-renowned hospitality brand. Today, it boasts over 50 restaurants and 27 hotels in operation or development worldwide, blending luxury with Japanese-inspired elegance.

The Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch has been a popular destination for both international traveler's and Londoners, known for its sleek design, high-end amenities, and acclaimed Nobu restaurant.

Limestone Capital’s Expanding Portfolio

Beyond Nobu, Limestone Capital has a diverse investment portfolio, which includes Aethos, Emerald Stay, and Voaara, reflecting its broader commitment to premium hospitality.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition strengthens Limestone Capital’s footprint in one of Europe’s most dynamic hotel markets.

With London’s hospitality sector rebounding strongly, the addition of Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch positions Limestone Capital to capitalise on the city’s continued appeal as a global travel hub.

A Bold Move in a Resilient Market

Limestone Capital’s acquisition of Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch signals a strong commitment to expanding its luxury hospitality footprint in Europe’s most competitive markets. With London’s hotel sector rebounding and the Nobu brand’s continued global appeal, this strategic move positions Limestone Capital for long-term growth and value creation.

As the firm integrates the property into its portfolio, all eyes will be on how it enhances the guest experience and overall performance of this sought-after destination. Given the group’s track record of maximising prime real estate assets, this latest acquisition is likely just the beginning of further high-profile investments in the luxury hospitality space.