Tuesday 24 March 2026: Capstone Hotel Management and Marsden Group are pleased to announce the successful completion of 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 will continue 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.   

Sajad Bassam 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. Our growth will focus on targeted acquisitions, expanded management agreements, and new development partnerships in key regional and gateway markets,” said Sajad.

Clare 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. For our owners and guests, this represents a strengthening of capability behind the scenes, while maintaining complete continuity,” said Clare.

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.

ENDS

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Ginni Post, GP Communications | E. ginni@gpcommunications.pro | P. 022 6344 910

About Marsden Group

Marsden Hotel Group was established in 2008 and has grown into one of New Zealand's leading hotel management companies, operating a portfolio of successful 4–5-star accommodation properties across the country. In addition to owning and operating hotels and resorts, the group provides independent consultancy and property management services to the wider hospitality industry. With interests across approximately 20 hotel operations prior to the merger, Marsden has established itself as one of the leading locally owned hospitality platforms in New Zealand.

The portfolio includes independent properties operated under the Marsden Hotels & Resorts brand alongside internationally recognised hotel brands including Wyndham, Ramada and Wyndham Garden. For more information visit www.marsdengroup.co.nz or www.marsdenhotels.co.nz.

 About Capstone Hotel Management

 Capstone Hotel Management was founded in 2014 and offers a range of hotel management, distribution, and marketing services from full management to light touch consultation providing expert advice and guidance. Capstone Hotel Management creates bespoke hotel management solutions and marketing strategies to maximise performance, led by a team of experts whose breadth and depth of international and local experience ensures proven results. Capstone Hotel Management works with a range of properties from large corporate hotels to luxury lodges and everything in between, located throughout New Zealand. The team understands the challenges and rewards that regional and remote locations can bring to the accommodation sector. For more visit capstonehotels.co.nz