The Zetter Group sold to Orca Holding for undisclosed sum

The owners of the Zetter Group have sold the company they founded 18 years ago to global hospitality investor Orca Holding for an undisclosed sum.

The deal includes the Zetter hotel and two Zetter Townhouses in London.

Restaurateurs Mark Sainsbury and Michael Benyan launched the company with the opening of the Zetter hotel in Clerkenwell (pictured) in 2004.

Orca Holding, which also partnered with Soho House to open its Barcelona club, intends to retain and grow the Zetter brands. It is actively looking to open more sites in London, across the UK and European cities such as Paris, Madrid and Amsterdam.

Benyan said: "We are extremely proud of the culture of the Zetter Group, the unique hospitality brands we created and the impact they had on London's vibrant hotel, restaurant and cocktail scene.

"The fact that Orca Holding are passionate about the Zetter brand and have such exciting plans for its future, is great news for all involved and we wish them every success."

Laith Pharon, chief executive of Orca Holding, said he saw "huge growth and development potential" in the company.

"This has been a difficult year for most hotels but the properties were previously achieving great success in their respective segments," he said.

"This acquisition presents an opportunity for more strategic expansion of the Zetter brand and will benefit from Orca Holding's global hotel development experience."

Orca's past investments include Hyatt and Four Seasons branded projects in Latin America and the Six Senses resort and spa company in Asia.

Savills advised the Zetter Group on the transaction. Siggis Capital has been appointed to asset manage the group.

Photo: Amy Murrell