Quick Read
- Ashton Kutcher leads a consortium in a $2.7 billion deal to take Soho House private.
- Soho House operates 46 clubs globally and plans further expansion.
- The deal highlights Kutcher’s role as a tech investor and business leader.
- Existing shareholders will retain stakes, while Kutcher joins the board.
- The move signals renewed confidence in the hospitality sector.
Actor and tech investor Ashton Kutcher, known for his roles in films like No Strings Attached and Dude, Where’s My Car?, has once again stepped into the business spotlight. This time, Kutcher is leading a consortium of investors in a landmark $2.7 billion deal to take Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs, private. The announcement, made on August 19, 2025, signals a transformative moment for the hospitality and leisure industry, blending celebrity influence with strategic financial moves.
What is Soho House & Co?
Founded in 1995 in London, Soho House & Co started as a single private members’ club and has since expanded into a global hospitality powerhouse. With 46 Soho House locations, eight Soho Works, Scorpios Beach Clubs in Mykonos and Bodrum, and several other high-end hospitality ventures, the company has become synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Its UK sites include venues in London, Somerset, East Sussex, Oxfordshire, and Windsor, with a new location in Manchester set to open later this year.
Despite its growth, Soho House faced challenges as a publicly traded company since its initial public offering (IPO) in 2021. According to Insider Media, the firm has undergone significant transformations to improve its operational and financial systems, which have positioned it for long-term success. Revenue has grown at a double-digit rate annually, with adjusted EBITDA climbing over 50% per year from 2022 to 2024.
The $2.7 Billion Deal
The $2.7 billion transaction, led by MCR Hotels and supported by funds managed by Apollo, will see Soho House delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. MCR Hotels, known for its portfolio of high-profile properties such as the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport and the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City, is leading the acquisition. Ashton Kutcher, a well-known technology investor and entrepreneur, is at the forefront of a consortium providing additional equity capital for the deal.
As part of the agreement, Kutcher will join Soho House’s board of directors, marking a significant milestone in his business career. Existing shareholders, including founder Nick Jones and investors like Richard Caring and Ron Burkle, will retain their stakes in the company. Citi, Morgan Stanley, and LionTree served as financial advisors for various stakeholders involved in the deal, as noted by The Motley Fool.
What This Means for the Hospitality Industry
Soho House’s transition to a private company is expected to usher in a new era for the brand, allowing it to focus on innovation and expansion without the pressures of public market performance. Andrew Carnie, CEO of Soho House & Co, expressed optimism about the deal, stating that it reflects the confidence of both existing and incoming shareholders in the company’s future. “We’ve expanded our global footprint, welcoming new members into Houses in creative and culturally important cities such as São Paulo, Mexico City, Nashville, and Paris,” Carnie remarked.
The move also highlights a growing trend of celebrities leveraging their influence and capital in sectors beyond entertainment. Kutcher’s involvement brings not only financial resources but also a fresh perspective to Soho House’s strategic direction. As Insider Media points out, the deal could serve as a template for similar ventures, where high-profile individuals play pivotal roles in reshaping established industries.
A Broader Impact
While the hospitality sector has faced significant challenges due to economic uncertainties and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, this acquisition signals renewed confidence in its resilience and growth potential. By taking Soho House private, the new ownership aims to streamline operations and invest in its unique offerings, such as exclusive memberships and culturally significant locations.
The involvement of Apollo and other major financial players underscores the high stakes and opportunities associated with this deal. For investors, the transaction highlights the evolving dynamics of the hospitality industry, where private equity and celebrity endorsements increasingly intersect.
Ashton Kutcher’s role in this monumental deal not only elevates his stature as a business leader but also sets a precedent for how strategic partnerships can redefine industries. With Soho House poised for a new chapter, the hospitality world watches closely to see how this transformation unfolds.
Image Credits to Getty Images