According to sources, Lemon Tree Hotels has denied reports that private equity firm Warburg Pincus is in talks to acquire a significant stake in the company, stating that no discussions, negotiations or proposals are currently underway.
In a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange, the hotel chain clarified that it is not considering any preferential allotment of shares and that no transaction has been approved by its board. The clarification follows media reports suggesting Warburg Pincus was evaluating the purchase of APG Strategic RE Pool’s nearly 15% stake in Lemon Tree Hotels.
APG is also a minority investor in Fleur Hotels Private Limited, Lemon Tree’s asset-owning subsidiary, which owns several properties operated by the group. Lemon Tree retains majority ownership in Fleur Hotels.
While the company said it regularly reviews strategic and financial opportunities, it stressed that any such discussions remain preliminary unless formal approvals and definitive agreements are executed.
Warburg Pincus was an early investor in Lemon Tree Hotels and fully exited its stake by 2019.
