Capstone Hotel Management and Marsden Group have completed their merger, creating New Zealand’s largest locally owned hotel management platform, with over 40 properties nationwide.
The merger combines Capstone’s third-party hotel management expertise with Marsden Group’s capital strength and hospitality investment portfolio, positioning the group to compete directly with international operators and accelerate growth through acquisitions, management agreements, and a stronger presence across regional and metropolitan markets.
As part of the transaction, Capstone Hotels & Resorts Limited forms part of the enlarged Marsden Group, operating within a unified group structure. Capstone Hotels & Resorts Limited continues operating as a distinct brand within the expanded group, preserving its identity and management philosophy while benefiting from greater national reach and shared executive capability.
Sajad Bassam is appointed chief executive officer of the combined group, with founder of Capstone, Clare Davies retaining an equity stake in the business and serving as chief operating officer, while also sitting on the boards of both Capstone and Marsden Group.
“As international hotel operators expand into New Zealand, independent platforms need scale to compete effectively,” Bassam said. “With Capstone, we are creating a stronger, more scalable group that can pursue opportunities with confidence and deliver long-term value for our owners and partners. Our growth will focus on targeted acquisitions, expanded management agreements, and new development partnerships in key regional and gateway markets.”
“It’s an exciting milestone for our business,” Davies said. “Our focus is on delivering a seamless integration across our systems, people and operating platforms, ensuring continued performance across the portfolio. For our owners and guests, this represents a strengthening of capability behind the scenes, while maintaining complete continuity.”
The merger of Capstone Hotel Management and Marsden Group is effective 1 April 2026. The enlarged platform brings together national sales capability, consolidated revenue management infrastructure, and enhanced procurement leverage across the combined portfolio.
With a national network of approximately 45 properties and more than 2,500 rooms under management and investment oversight, the group has the scale to attract institutional partners, develop strategic relationships, and support sustainable portfolio expansion.
Marsden Group’s portfolio of five brands includes Marsden Hotels & Resorts, Ramada, Wyndham Garden, Microtel by Wyndham and now Capstone Hotels & Resorts.
Source: https://travelweekly.com.au/capstone-and-marsden-group-merge-to-form-new-zealands-largest-independent-hotel-platform/