Radisson and MBD Group Form Luxury Partnership

- The partnership is a long-term Master Franchise Agreement focused on expanding two of Radisson's brands in India: the luxury Radisson Collection and the lifestyle-oriented Radisson RED. - The 10-year goal is to open 50 co-branded hotels, signaling a significant push into India's growing premium hospitality market. - The strategy will primarily be "asset-light," with a portfolio mix of approximately 80% managed and franchised hotels and 20% owned properties. - A key first step involves the repositioning of the existing Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Noida, which will be upgraded to become a Radisson Collection MBD property. - MBD Group, led by Joint Managing Director Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, brings over two decades of partnership with Radisson and deep operational expertise in the Indian market to the venture. - Radisson Collection is positioned as a luxury brand with iconic properties in prime locations, emphasizing bespoke design and unique local experiences, distinguishing it from the more standardized luxury model. - The MBD Group is a diversified conglomerate with interests beyond hospitality, including education, EdTech, real estate, and retail, giving them a broad understanding of Indian consumer and market dynamics. - This deal complements Radisson Hotel Group's recent global expansion of its luxury and resort portfolio, which has included new Radisson Collection openings in cities like Milan, Riyadh, and Istanbul.