Month: December 2025

MIAMI, FL – December 26, 2025 – Affiliates of Miami-based Gencom, a U.S.-based investment firm that owns, operates, and develops prized real estate globally, announced that it has reacquired a majority interest the 115-key The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove situated at 3300 SW 27th Ave. in Miami, Florida.  

A Gencom-led joint venture originally acquired The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove back in 2011 and sold a majority stake on the property to Hersha Hospitality Trust in 2017. The new acquisition transaction was financed by Banco Inbursa, a leading international financial institution with a strong track record financing hospitality and commercial real estate assets, for an undisclosed amount.

“The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove has always been a special property for Gencom, reflected by our history with the asset and Coconut Grove’s timeless appeal,” said Karim Alibhai, Founder of Gencom. “Reacquiring a majority stake aligns with our strategy of investing in high-quality assets in markets with strong fundamentals. We see significant opportunity to build on the property’s legacy and exceptional brand by creating value through disciplined investment and asset management.”

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove property first opened in 2002 in Miami’s historic Coconut Grove neighborhood. In addition to the hotel’s 115 guestrooms, the Ritz-Carlton property features ~30,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, a swimming pool, poolside restaurant, boutique spa and salon, and a fitness center. The 21-story upscale hotel underwent its latest renovation in 2018. The upgrades included renovating the guestrooms and suites, the lobby, swimming pool, and food and beverage spaces that led to the opening of Isabelle’s Coconut Grove and The Commodore cocktail bar. 

“This acquisition reflects our long-term conviction in Miami’s lodging fundamentals and the sustained strength of its local economy,” said Alessandro Colantonio, Chief Investment Officer at Gencom. “Having previously owned The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, we recognize the enduring value of the asset and the importance of Coconut Grove as one of Miami’s most established and in-demand submarkets for both leisure and business travel. Regaining a majority ownership in this iconic property enables us to further scale our hospitality platform in Miami, one of North America’s most compelling and resilient tourism markets.”

Miami’s Coconut Grove waterfront neighborhood has emerged as one of the city’s most authentic and highly coveted communities. Known for its lush streets, historic charm, and vibrant cultural scene, the Grove has seen significant growth and redevelopment in recent years. The addition of several Class A office buildings has attracted new residents and businesses, while the revitalization of its anchor lifestyle center, Cocowalk, has introduced dozens of restaurants, retail shops, and a new movie theater. Coupled with the development of luxury condos and hotels, these enhancements have strengthened Coconut Grove’s position as a premier live-work-play district. Today, the neighborhood offers a unique blend of luxury living, shopping, dining, cultural attractions and entertainment, making it one of Miami’s most appealing destinations for residents, visitors, and investors alike.

Gencom’s Miami holdings include the recently reopened Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami following a $100 million renovation and Miami Riverbridge, a transformational, privately funded mixed-use development planned along the Miami River, reinforcing the firm’s long-term conviction in the city’s growth and waterfront revitalization. The company’s illustrious branded hotel portfolio also includes other Marriott Hotels brands such as The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch; The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia; The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans; The St. Regis Chicago; and Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; in addition to other five-star flags such as Auberge, Four Seasons, Rosewood, Fairmont, Hyatt, InterContinental, and more. 

About Gencom

Gencom is a U.S.-based investment firm that owns, operates and develops prized real estate around the world, with an emphasis on luxury hotels, resorts and branded residential properties; and which is also an active owner and investor in hospitality operating platforms. Gencom’s current real estate portfolio is comprised of some of the world’s most iconic hotels, resorts, and destinations which are amongst the leading properties in the industry with key operating partners such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, Auberge, Fairmont, Hyatt, and Marriott.  

Founded more than 40 years ago, Gencom has grown to become one of the nation’s leading firms specializing in the development and management of luxury resort and residential properties, alongside full-service hospitality operating platforms. Today, the Gencom portfolio is comprised of nearly $8 billion in assets under management and includes 24 owned assets in operation or under development with over 6,000 hotel rooms around the world; in addition to 185 properties, comprised of 50,000 keys through its third-party management affiliate, Pyramid Global Hospitality, which oversees hotel property management and operations throughout the U.S. and Europe; and over 2 million square feet through affiliate Convene, a hospitality company that designs, builds, and manages premium meeting, event, and flexible office spaces. For more information, visit www.gencomgrp.com.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. currently operates more than 100 hotels in 34 countries and territories. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The RitzCarlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

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Acquisition of 607-key hotel in New York City, one of the world’s premier hospitality markets.

MIAMI – December 11, 2025 – A partnership between Gencom, a U.S.-based investment firm that owns, operates, and develops prized real estate around the world, Argent Ventures, a vertically-integrated, real estate investment and development firm, and Highgate, an industry-leading hotel management, investment, and development company, announce the acquisition of The InterContinental New York Times Square, a 607-key luxury hotel situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Standing 34 stories tall, the InterContinental New York Times Square is one of Manhattan’s most prominent hotels, offering contemporary design, sweeping skyline views, and immediate access to the city’s most celebrated attractions, including Broadway, Rockefeller Center, and Hudson Yards.

The property will transition from IHG management to an IHG franchise, with Highgate assuming management. The hotel, which currently features approximately 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a signature restaurant, a Shake Shack, and a 24-hour fitness center, will also undergo a transformative renovation of guestrooms, public spaces, and dining venues to elevate the guest experience and meet the highest standards of luxury hospitality.

Following Gencom’s 2024 acquisition of the Thompson Central Park in New York, this transaction further expands the firm’s New York City presence. It marks its first acquisition of an InterContinental Hotels & Resorts-branded property, strengthening Gencom’s relationship with leading global hospitality brands.

“As Gencom’s second hotel acquisition in New York City in the past 18 months, this transaction underscores our confidence in the long-term strength and global appeal of this destination,” said Karim Alibhai, Founder and Principal of Gencom. “We look forward to leveraging Gencom’s expertise to elevate the property’s experience further, blending luxury with the energy and sophistication of Manhattan.”

Argent Ventures’ recent acquisition and conversion of the Crowne Plaza Times Square into the Hyatt Regency Times Square, which is also operated by Highgate, underscores the firm’s continued investment in the city’s hospitality landscape and its experience in repositioning branded assets.

Highgate, which manages a global portfolio spanning luxury, lifestyle, full-service, and select-service hotels, will assume operational leadership of the property. Highgate’s proven track record of investing and operating in New York City, its leading team of New York-based operators, and strong industry relationships position Highgate to enhance performance and unlock the full potential of this landmark asset. This acquisition follows Highgate’s recent investment in the 1,331-room Row NYC, and marks a continuation of Highgate’s longstanding track record as a leading investor in New York City hospitality real estate.

“Highgate is thrilled to complete another significant investment in New York, and to partner with Gencom and Argent Ventures,” said Zach Berger, Principal. “Highgate has invested in New York across multiple cycles and multiple asset classes and remains committed to fielding a best-in-class operating team in the market, creating exceptional experiences for our guests, and delivering leading results for our partners. We are also excited to continue expanding our activities with IHG, and to lead this new chapter for the InterContinental New York Times Square.”

The acquisition financing for the transaction was provided by Monroe Capital, a leading asset management firm specializing in private credit and real estate. Eastdil Secured represented the seller on the sale as well as the buyer in securing financing. The seller was a joint venture between Tishman and MetLife Investment Management.

“Monroe is excited to partner on another deal with Gencom, one of the premier high-end hospitality sponsors globally. In addition, Monroe is pleased to complete a transaction with two additional blue-chip sponsors, Argent and Highgate,” said Kyle Asher, Managing Director & Co-Head Alternative Credit Solutions of Monroe Capital.

The InterContinental New York Times Square joins Gencom’s growing hospitality portfolio, which includes distinguished brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, St. Regis, Rosewood, Thompson Hotels, Andaz, Fairmont, and Auberge Resorts.

About Gencom

Gencom is a U.S.-based investment firm that owns, operates and develops prized real estate around the world, with an emphasis on luxury hotels, resorts and branded residential properties; and which is also an active owner and investor in hospitality operating platforms. Gencom’s current real estate portfolio is comprised of some of the world’s most iconic hotels, resorts, and destinations which are amongst the leading properties in the industry with key operating partners such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, Auberge, Fairmont, Hyatt, Marriott and St. Regis. 

Founded more than 40 years ago, Gencom has grown to become one of the nation’s leading firms specializing in the development and management of luxury resort and residential properties, alongside full-service hospitality operating platforms. Today, the Gencom portfolio is comprised of nearly $8 billion in assets under management and includes 23 owned assets in operation or under development with over 6,000 hotel rooms around the world; in addition to 240 properties, comprised of 50,000 keys through its third-party management affiliate, Pyramid Global Hospitality, which oversees hotel property management and operations throughout the U.S. and Europe; and over 2 million square feet through affiliate Convene, a hospitality company that designs, builds, and manages premium meeting, event, and flexible office spaces.

For more information, visit www.gencomgrp.com.

About Argent Ventures

Argent Ventures is a vertically-integrated, diversified real estate investment and development firm specializing in opportunistic, and value-add transactions throughout the United States. 

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in New York City, Argent Ventures pursues debt- and equity-related investments in any asset class. Since its inception, Argent has purchased over $3.0 billion in real estate assets and debt instruments in major markets in the United States and Europe.

Argent Ventures’ earliest investments were in non-performing real estate loans in major US markets.  Argent’s principals developed a track record of identifying and unlocking untapped value in distressed properties. Working with various institutional capital partners, Argent developed a reputation for quick and efficient transactions and a focus on special situations and complicated debt work-outs. 

About Highgate

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.

Highgate, with an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com      

About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

InterContinental is the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand with over 230 hotels, representing 74,728 rooms spanning more than 70 countries around the world. Founded by Pan American Airways Founder, Juan Trippe in 1946, InterContinental is guided by the belief in the power of travel to expand the mind and connect cultures.

Opening doors to a ‘world of fascination’, InterContinental is reimagining the luxury travel experience with the modern luxury traveller at its heart. Striking a harmonious balance between freedom and familiarity, InterContinental focuses on satisfying a guests’ yearning for knowledge and culturally rich experiences, building on its heritage as a beacon of approachable luxury travel.

About Monroe Capital

Monroe Capital LLC (“Monroe”) is a premier asset management firm specializing in private credit markets across various strategies, including direct lending, technology finance, venture debt, alternative credit solutions, structured credit, real estate and equity. Since 2004, the firm has been successfully providing capital solutions to clients in the U.S. and Canada. Monroe prides itself on being a value-added and user-friendly partner to business owners, management, and both private equity and independent sponsors. Monroe’s platform offers a wide variety of investment products for both institutional and high net worth investors with a focus on generating high quality “alpha” returns irrespective of business or economic cycles. The firm is headquartered in Chicago and has 12 locations throughout the United States, Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Monroe has been recognized by both its peers and investors with various awards including GrowthCap Advisory’s 2025 Top Private Credit Firm List; Inc.’s 2025 Founder-Friendly Investors List; DealCatalyst as the 2025 Most Innovative Private Credit CLO Manager of the Year; Private Debt Investor as the 2024 Lower Mid-Market Lender of the Year, Americas and 2023 Lower Mid-Market Lender of the Decade; Global M&A Network as the 2024 Lower Mid-Markets Lender of the Year, Americas; Korean Economic Daily as the 2022 Best Performance in Private Debt – Mid Cap; Creditflux as the 2021 Best U.S. Direct Lending Fund; and Pension Bridge as the 2020 Private Credit Strategy of the Year. For more information and important disclaimers, please visit www.monroecap.com.