The McKeever group has confirmed the acquisition of The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine for an undisclosed sum.
It becomes the sixth hotel in the family-owned hospitality company, which already owns the Dunadry and Dunsilly hotels in Co Antrim.
The 56-bed three-star hotel at the Lodge Road Roundabout is one of the most popular events and conference venues on the north coast.
The change of ownership coincides with the retirement of Ivor Boyd and Norma Wilkinson, who successfully ran he venue for 30 years, along with their third partner, the late Brian Stockman who joined the business in 2003.
In a statement Mr Boyd and Ms Wilkinson said: “We want to thank everyone connected with the hotel over the past 30 years, particularly our great team of staff and our many loyal customers. We also would like to thank John Turley from Turley Legal who guided us through the sale process.
“The McKeever Group has built its reputation on strong ‘family’ values which very much reflect our own.
“We’re delighted they recognised both the quality of our offering and the clear synergies between our hotels which will ensure The Lodge Hotel becomes a natural extension of the McKeever Group.
“It’s good to know that the future of our hotel is in the safest hands.”
Eddie McKeever, managing director of the McKeever Hotel Group said: “We’re so pleased to welcome The Lodge to the McKeever family and regard this investment as great news, not just for staff and customers, but for the local community and the hospitality sector as a whole.
“The links between our hotels are many, not least the strong focus on quality service, professionalism, and customer care.
“This move is also strategic and totally aligned with our wider growth plans which have been supported by our banking partners Richard Lusty and Andrew Tew from Ulster Bank as well as continuing our long term relationship with Linus Murray from McKee’s Solicitors who has looked after many of our acquisitions.
“We look forward to extending the McKeever welcome to the local team and guests in the months ahead.”
