Hotel management heavyweights merge to create 45-strong national network

Marsden Group manages 26 properties nationwide including its own Marsden Hotels & Resorts brand, alongside internationally recognised brands including Wyndham and Ramada. As part of the transaction, Capstone forms part of the enlarged Marsden Group, operating under a unified group structure. Capstone will continue to operate as a distinct brand within the extended group, while benefiting from greater national reach and shared executive capability. Marsden Group chief executive Sajad Bassam has been appointed chief executive of the combined group, and said the merger was about building a platform for strategic long-term growth in New Zealand. "As international hotel operators expand into New Zealand, independent platforms need scale to compete effectively. 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," Bassam said. "Our growth will focus on targeted acquisitions, expanded management agreements, and new development partnerships in key regional and gateway markets." Bassad said the merger will position the group to compete directly with international operators and accelerate growth through acquisitions, management agreements, and a stronger presence across regional and metropolitan markets. Capstone founder and managing director Clare Davies will retain an equity stake in the business and serve as chief operating officer of the combined group, while also sitting on the boards of both Capstone and Marsden Group. Davies said the immediate focus was on people and integration. "It's an exciting milestone for our business. Our focus is on delivering a seamless integration across our systems, people and operating platforms, ensuring continued performance across the portfolio," Davies said. "For our owners and guests, this represents a strengthening of capability behind the scenes, while maintaining complete continuity."