Sunset Hospitality Group Acquires Majority Stake in Solutions Group, Adding 15 Iconic Venues to Its Global Portfolio

Sunset Hospitality Group Strengthens Global Footprint with Solutions Group Acquisition

Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) has taken a decisive step in its global growth journey by acquiring a majority stake in UAE-based Solutions Group, a move that signals deepening consolidation within the region’s lifestyle, dining, and entertainment sector. The transaction brings 15 established and high-performing venues under SHG’s expanding global umbrella, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality platforms. The acquisition aligns two UAE-born hospitality companies that have grown alongside the region’s transformation into a global leisure and entertainment hub. With shared values, complementary strengths, and an emphasis on experience-led concepts, the partnership reflects a strategic convergence aimed at accelerating international expansion while preserving the individuality of each brand.

Integrating a Portfolio of Iconic Dining and Nightlife Concepts

At the heart of the deal is Solutions Group’s diverse portfolio of 15 operating venues, many of which are among the UAE’s most recognisable dining and nightlife destinations. These include concepts such as Asia Asia, Lock, Stock & Barrel, Ula, The 305, Wavehouse, Papas, Central, and En Fuego. Collectively, the brands span casual dining, high-energy nightlife, and immersive entertainment experiences. The addition of these venues adds both scale and diversity to SHG’s portfolio, which now exceeds 100 hospitality assets across 26 international markets. The Solutions Group brands are known for attracting large, loyal audiences and delivering consistent footfall, making them a strategic fit within SHG’s high-volume, lifestyle-focused operating model.

Reinforcing SHG’s Experience-Led Brand Strategy

SHG has built its reputation on creating hospitality destinations that blend dining, entertainment, and social experiences. The integration of Solutions Group’s brands strengthens this positioning, particularly in the nightlife and entertainment segments, where experiential differentiation is critical. By incorporating award-winning and culturally resonant concepts, SHG enhances its ability to cater to diverse customer demographics while maintaining a strong focus on experiential storytelling, design, and atmosphere. The acquisition reinforces SHG’s commitment to developing destinations that resonate beyond food and beverage alone.

Leadership Continuity and Brand Integrity

A key component of the transaction is the decision to retain Solutions Group’s senior leadership team, including its managing partners, to oversee operations and brand direction. This approach is designed to ensure continuity, protect brand DNA, and maintain the entrepreneurial culture that has driven Solutions Group’s success to date. By keeping the leadership structure intact, SHG aims to balance operational stability with strategic scale. Solutions Group’s management will continue to guide day-to-day operations while benefiting from SHG’s capital resources, global infrastructure, and development expertise.

Operational Synergies and Global Expansion

The combined platform is expected to unlock meaningful operational synergies, from procurement efficiencies to shared development pipelines and international market access. With SHG’s presence across multiple continents, Solutions Group’s brands are well-positioned to explore new geographies and customer segments. This expanded reach supports SHG’s ambition to accelerate global rollouts of scalable, experience-driven concepts while leveraging proven operational frameworks. The partnership creates opportunities to introduce Solutions Group brands into new markets where demand for high-quality lifestyle hospitality continues to grow.

Part of a Broader Investment-Led Growth Strategy

The acquisition forms part of SHG’s wider investment-led growth strategy, which focuses on partnering with high-performing operators that demonstrate strong brand equity and scalability. Over the past year, SHG has continued to attract significant institutional interest, including increased investment from Goldman Sachs in April 2025 and its investment in Maximal Concept Limited in August 2025. These milestones underscore SHG’s ability to attract long-term capital and reinforce confidence in its expansion strategy. The Solutions Group transaction builds on this momentum, further diversifying SHG’s brand mix and strengthening its leadership in the global lifestyle hospitality segment.

Executive Perspectives on the Partnership

Antonio Gonzalez, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of SHG, described the acquisition as a natural progression in the group’s growth journey. He highlighted Solutions Group’s creativity, international potential, and strong guest appeal as key drivers behind the investment. According to Gonzalez, the portfolio attracts millions of guests annually and offers a solid foundation for international expansion. He emphasised that the deal reflects SHG’s long-term vision of building a global hospitality portfolio through selective investments in exceptional operators. Paul Evans, CEO and founder of Solutions Group, characterised the partnership as a defining moment for the business. Having grown alongside SHG in the UAE for over a decade, he noted that the transaction represents an opportunity to unlock new global chapters for homegrown brands while accelerating future growth. Chris Spiliopoulos, Chief Development Officer at SHG, added that the partnership broadens SHG’s reach into new hospitality segments and strengthens its international footprint. He described the deal as an important step toward creating long-term value through award-winning concepts with strong customer appeal.

Reflecting Broader Trends in UAE Hospitality

The transaction highlights a growing trend toward consolidation and strategic partnerships within the UAE’s hospitality sector. As regional operators look to scale internationally, alliances with well-capitalised global platforms are becoming increasingly attractive. This consolidation allows brands to retain their local identity while benefiting from global reach, shared expertise, and access to new markets. For SHG and Solutions Group, the partnership represents a balance between scale and authenticity, positioning both companies to navigate evolving consumer expectations and competitive pressures.

Looking Ahead

As SHG continues to expand its global footprint, the integration of Solutions Group marks a significant milestone in its evolution from a regional operator to a global lifestyle hospitality powerhouse. The combined strengths of both organisations are expected to drive innovation, accelerate international growth, and reinforce the UAE’s role as a launchpad for globally relevant hospitality brands. With leadership continuity, a robust brand portfolio, and a clear strategic vision, the acquisition positions SHG and Solutions Group to shape the next phase of growth in the global lifestyle dining and entertainment landscape.