Armani linked with Berkeley bid

Fashion designer Giorgio Armani has reportedly been rebuffed by the owner of the Berkeley after making a multi-million pound offer for the London hotel.

The Italian designer - who is launching Armani Hotels & Resorts with a hotel in Dubai early next year - is reported to have bid to take over the five-star Knightsbridge establishment during talks with investment firm Quinlan Private

But Quinlan, which also owns Jurys Inns and a number of independent hotels, is believed to have said that any bid would have to cover all of the Maybourne Group (Claridge's, the Connaught and the Berkeley).

A source was quoted in weekend reports saying: "No one knows Armani has been looking at moving into hotels but he is set on owning one in London.

"He was prepared to part with a lot of cash for the Berkeley but Quinlan told him he would have to buy all three hotels."

The exact offer made by Armani is unknown, although he is alleged to have put aside a $3.8b (£2.5b) budget for the hotel.

Jurys Inns to appoint a new chief executive by mid-March 2009>>
Quinlan Private buys Jurys Inn chain in £791m deal>>

Maybourne Group plans major international expansion plan>>

Giorgio Armani at centre of hotel legal battle>>
Giorgio Armani adds glamour to property development>>

By Daniel Thomas

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