Akerman represented Ace Group International (AGI), parent company of Ace Hotel and its in-house creative agency Atelier Ace, in its acquisition by Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide (SPW), a core company of the Seibu Group and one of Japan’s leading hospitality operators.
The cross-border transaction marks a significant milestone in SPW’s long-term growth strategy to expand its global portfolio to 250 hotels by FY2035, adding the distinctive Ace brand to its portfolio of 86 hotels, 31 golf courses, and 10 ski resorts. Under the agreement, Ace Hotel will operate as a subsidiary of SPW’s hotel division, retaining its independence in brand and creative direction while benefiting from SPW’s global infrastructure and operational expertise.
The Akerman team advising Ace Group International was led by Palash Pandya, deputy co-chair of the Corporate Practice Group, and Joshua Bernstein, chair emeritus of the Hospitality Sector Team, with support from:
- Melissa Koch, Chair, Technology Transactions Practice
- Ron Kornreich, Co-Chair, Hospitality Sector Team
- Sarah DeFranco, Partner, Labor and Employment Practice Group
- Erika Labelle, Partner, Tax Practice Group
- Gabriel Marinaro, Partner, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice
- Andrew Kim, Associate, Corporate Practice Group
- Glorimer Rodriguez, Associate, Corporate Practice Group
Founded in Seattle in 1999, Ace operates hotels in Seattle, New York, Palm Springs, Kyoto, Brooklyn, Sydney, Toronto, and Athens, with upcoming development in Fukuoka slated for 2027. Known for its pioneering approach to lifestyle hospitality and cultural placemaking, Ace has been widely recognized for reshaping the boutique hotel landscape.
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