Dubai, January 25th 2015

Royal Gulf Ltd, part of Select Group, announced today that it has acquired the centrally located, fully operational Birmingham based Radisson Blu Hotel managed by Rezidor Hotel Group. "This acquisition is part of Select Group's continuing growth plans. Birmingham as the second largest city of the UK, is an important market for us. With our resources and expertise, we are confident of being able to improve the hotel's growth while working closely alongside Radisson management." stated Colin Wright, Chief Investment Officer for the Group.

Last year, the group rescued South Reef, later to be renamed 'Nottingham One' - a failed, £50 million mixed use development which had been unable to complete construction and later fell into administration. After remaining on hold for many years, construction was restarted post-acquisition and completed by Select Group. The group and its subsidiaries went on to win the East Midlands Developer of the Year award in 2014 for the project.

"The decision to acquire Radisson Blu Hotel Birmingham was based on compelling financial rationale, an early mover advantage into a major city and its ability to cater for a broad range of guest needs including leisure and business travelers. With imminent plans almost agreed with Radisson, Select Group will begin to invest and improve the hotel rooms, meeting areas and other features which will enhance the guest experience. This plan will be rolled out over the next 24 months" Colin added.

Hina Simpson, General Manager, Rezidor Hotel Group expressed her confidence in the new owner "While we are delighted for Select Group on their purchase, the sale has absolutely no impact on the operations of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Birmingham. We are confident that with the implementation, of improvement plans and the exceptional care provided by our staff, Radisson Blu will continue to be one of Birmingham's leading hotels."​

Radisson Blu Hotel Birmingham opened in 2006 and is the tallest building in Birmingham with 39 floors including the residential component. The 211 hotel rooms and suites have been designed by Italian designer Matteo Thun. The hotel features one restaurant, 2 bars and 10 meeting rooms of various sizes. With its city centre location just south west of Birmingham's new street rail station, the hotel is attractive to travelers because of its close proximity to shopping and business destinations and multiple transport options.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has been managing the hotel under the Radisson Blu brand and will continue to do so under the new ownership.

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ABOUT SELECT GROUP
Select Group is one of the largest private developers in the UAE that has developed a reputation for quality, reliability and consistency since inception in 2002. The Group has delivered eight projects with an additional four underway in the Dubai Marina master development and possesses an impeccable track record of timely delivery. Select Group has recently completed an award winning development in the United Kingdom and holds a strong reputation in the UAE for successful projects including 'The Torch', 'Botanica', 'Bay Central' and 'West Avenue'.

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© Press Release 2015