French chain checks into Derby with hotel swoop

French budget hotel chain B&B Hotels has bought five hotel sites in the UK – including one in Derby.

B&B Hotels has taken over the former Pentahotels hotels in Birmingham, Ipswich, Inverness, Warrington and Derby.

The Pentahotel properties will undergo a “light refurbishment” – but will remain open throughout.

The acquisition takes the portfolio to a total of six sites, joining B&B Hotels hotel in Heathrow which was taken over in April this year.

The firm has a plan to open 10 hotels in the UK by 2035.

Fabrice Collet, president and chief executive officer of B&B Hotels said: “This latest takeover of five hotels follows our first hotel at Heathrow Terminal 5 and is an important step in our UK expansion plans – and our global ambition to have 3,000 hotels within 10 years. Our successful growth model and commitment to value for our guests have made us a beloved brand across Europe, and we’re excited to bring that same experience to guests in the UK.”

Patrick O’Connell, chief executive of B&B Hotels UK added: “Today’s announcement represents an exciting step for our UK presence – with B&B Hotels becoming part of the community in Birmingham, Ipswich, Inverness, Warrington and Derby. We look forward to welcoming guests to our hotels in these locations as we continue to drive forward our expansion into other towns, cities, tourism and leisure hotspots across the United Kingdom.”