Leonardo Hotels is a prominent hotel chain with over 160 properties worldwide. It’s owned by the Fattal Hotel Group, a company with a fascinating story of growth and expansion.
Let’s delve into the history of this successful hotel conglomerate.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Dominance
The Fattal Hotel Group was established in 2006 by the visionary David Fattal, a hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel. At the time, he was already leading the tourist-focused Fattal Holdings Ltd., headquartered in Tel Aviv.
The very first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2006. The company’s distinctive logo was officially registered in 2007 by the German Patent and Trademark Office, with international registration following in 2008.
The “Leonardo” brand became the driving force behind Fattal’s global expansion. Initially, this involved acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. The company’s relentless growth was fuelled by a combination of internal funds and investments from various funds.
The expansion continued with Fattal acquiring hotels in Israel, Hungary, Austria, the UK, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania. In 2022, the company announced the creation of a new fund specifically designed to further accelerate its European expansion.
A Strong Foundation: Ownership and Management
The Leonardo Hotels are part of the broader Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. The company’s fully owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, serves as the management arm for the European operations.
The majority of Leonardo Hotels are either directly owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries or are leased. The company’s commitment to its employees is reflected in the fact that over 2,700 individuals were employed by Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone in 2021.
Leadership and Brand Expansion
Yoram Biton, a seasoned hotelier born in Israel in 1967, leads the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe business unit, headquartered in Berlin.
The Leonardo Hotels brand family boasts four distinct sub-brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
Key Acquisitions and Growth Strategy
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel Group, encompassing the main brand and its sub-brands, boasted a network of over 160 hotels. Germany houses the largest number of these properties.
The Leonardo Hotel Group’s growth strategy has been driven by strategically acquiring notable hotel chains. Some of the most significant acquisitions include the Jurys Inn brand (51 hotels in the UK and Ireland), the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
The Leonardo Hotel Group has established itself as a force in the global hospitality industry, fueled by its ambitious expansion plans, diverse portfolio, and commitment to excellence. The company’s success is a testament to the vision of its founders and the dedication of its team. The Leonardo Hotel Group continues to expand its reach across the globe, solidifying its position as a leading player in the hotel industry.
