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| Ashton Kutcher will join the Soho House board |
Soho House Acquired for $2.7 Billion as Ashton Kutcher Joins Board
Soho House, the world-famous private members’ club chain, has been bought for $2.7 billion (£2bn) in a major deal led by MCR Hotels and backed by private equity firm Apollo. The acquisition brings Hollywood actor and investor Ashton Kutcher onto the Soho House board, marking a new chapter in the brand’s journey.
Soho House: From London Beginnings to Global Expansion.
Founded in 1995 by Nick Jones, Soho House opened its first club in London’s Greek Street, above his restaurant Café Boheme. Since then, Soho House has grown into a global network of 46 exclusive clubs across Europe, North America, and Asia.
The group is well known for attracting A-list celebrities and high-profile members, with reports that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their first date at a London Soho House. Other celebrity members include Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner, and Ellie Goulding.
In addition to its clubs, Soho House also operates Soho Works offices, Scorpios Beach Clubs in Mykonos and Bodrum, and luxury venues such as Shoreditch House, Soho Farmhouse, Soho House Bangkok, and Miami Poolhouse.
Why Soho House Was Sold
Despite its prestige, Soho House has faced financial struggles since going public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021. Its shares dropped sharply as profits proved hard to sustain and critics argued that the brand had lost some of its exclusivity due to rapid expansion.
The $9 per share buyout offered by MCR Hotels is 18% above the most recent trading price, but still below its 2021 peak of $14.21 per share. Analysts suggest the move to take Soho House private again will allow the company to refocus on long-term growth rather than quarterly earnings pressure.
Ashton Kutcher Joins the Soho House Board
One of the biggest headlines from this acquisition is Ashton Kutcher joining the Soho House board. Kutcher, known for his successful career as both an actor and investor, will work alongside MCR Hotels CEO Tyler Morse and founder Nick Jones to shape the future of the brand.
Morse praised Soho House, saying:
“We have long admired Soho House for bringing together cultures from around the world into a global network of 46 houses, and we look forward to the continued growth of that fabric.”
The Challenge Ahead for Soho House
Industry experts remain cautious. Susannah Streeter of Hargreaves Lansdown noted that while the presence of a Hollywood star like Kutcher adds buzz, Soho House will need more than “celebrity stardust” to ensure financial stability.
The rapid growth of Soho House has also raised questions about exclusivity. Originally built for creatives, the membership definition expanded to include “creative-minded” individuals—something some members feel has diluted the brand’s elite image.
Still, Soho House CEO Andrew Carnie believes the return to private ownership demonstrates confidence in the group’s future:
“I’m incredibly proud of what our teams have accomplished and am excited about our future, as we continue to be guided by our members and grounded in the spirit that makes Soho House so special.”
What’s Next for Soho House?
With four new Soho Houses set to open soon, the company looks ready to continue its global expansion. The new ownership structure and Ashton Kutcher’s involvement could help rebuild Soho House’s reputation as the ultimate luxury members’ club, balancing exclusivity with growth.
Key Takeaway
The $2.7 billion Soho House acquisition marks a turning point for the iconic members’ club. With Ashton Kutcher joining the board and MCR Hotels leading the charge, Soho House is poised for a new era—one that must carefully balance its celebrity appeal, exclusivity, and financial stability.
