Soho House to Go Private in $2.7 Billion Deal with Ashton Kutcher Joining the Board
Soho House $2.7 Billion Buyout to End Club’s Stock Market Pain
A group of investors led by MCR Hotels, the third largest hotel owner-operator in the US, has agreed to take Soho House & Co private in a $2.7 billion deal. The transaction marks the end of Soho House’s turbulent four years on the New York Stock Exchange, where the stock struggled to maintain value after its 2021 IPO.
Under the agreement, MCR’s Chairman and CEO Tyler Morse will join Soho House’s Board of Directors as Vice Chairman. Actor and tech investor Ashton Kutcher, a longtime Soho House member, will also join the board, bringing celebrity and startup savvy to the membership club’s future strategy.
Shareholders will receive $9 per share in cash, representing an 83% premium to the unaffected share price prior to the announcement. The deal includes refinancing of existing debt, supported by Apollo Global Management through a hybrid capital solution providing both debt and equity financing.
Strategic Implications and Future Plans
This move to private ownership allows Soho House to build on its business transformation since going public, focusing on disciplined growth and expanding its global footprint with 46 Soho Houses worldwide as of mid-2025. The company anticipates continued growth in culturally important cities while retaining a strong connection with its member base.
MCR Hotels brings vast operational expertise with iconic assets like the TWA Hotel at JFK and The High Line Hotel in New York. The partnership aims to enhance member experiences and sustain the cultural and creative foundation that defines Soho House.
Soho House’s Market Journey
Founded in London in 1995 by restaurateur Nick Jones, Soho House began as a creative haven and has expanded into a global private membership network. The company’s market value has seen fluctuations, with losses in cumulative profits during its public trading but recent profitable quarters suggesting a turnaround.
With this transaction, Soho House plans to cease trading its shares on the NYSE by the end of 2025, moving towards a strategy that prioritizes long-term value over market pressures.
Key Quotes
Andrew Carnie, CEO of Soho House & Co: “This transaction reflects the strong confidence our existing and incoming shareholders have in Soho House’s future. Returning to private ownership enables us to build on momentum with world-class hospitality and investment partners.”
Tyler Morse, Chairman & CEO of MCR: “We are excited to be part of the Soho House journey, helping create experiences and memories alongside members, and supporting sustainable growth globally.”
Reed Rayman, Apollo partner: “Our hybrid capital approach allows us to support growth ventures like Soho House with tailored financial solutions.”
About the Investors
- MCR Hotels: A $5 billion portfolio firm, known for premium hotel brands and innovative hospitality operations.
- Apollo Global Management: A global alternative asset manager providing hybrid capital solutions for growth and financing.
- Goldman Sachs Alternatives: Continuing financial support and capital investment in Soho House post-transaction.
For Soho House members and investors, this privatization signals a new chapter aimed at strengthening the brand’s exclusivity and expanding global influence, away from the short-term scrutiny of public markets.
