Overview

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), recognized as India’s foremost hospitality entity, has announced its acquisition of a 51% stake in Brij Hospitality, the entity behind the boutique brand Brij. This strategic acquisition, unveiled on January 15, 2026, is designed to enhance IHCL’s presence in the expanding leisure tourism sector in India by integrating the distinct offerings of Brij into its comprehensive portfolio.

Comments from Leadership

Puneet Chhatwal, the Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, remarked on the increasing demand for experiential leisure, which is being fueled by rising disposable incomes and discretionary spending in India. “We are excited to extend our partnership with the Clarks Group by advancing our marketing and distribution collaboration to a majority shareholding in Brij Hotels,” he stated. This acquisition positions IHCL as an influential player in key cultural, spiritual, and wildlife destinations, while also reaching unique locales such as Jaipur, Varanasi, and Goa.

About Brij Hotels

Brij Hotels, renowned for its immersive and culturally rich experiences, currently operates 22 hotels with 11 additional properties in the planning stages. Co-founders Udit Kumar and Anant Apurv Kumar expressed excitement regarding the collaboration, stating that it aligns with Brij’s objective to celebrate India’s cultural diversity. Their goal is to establish a global Indian boutique hospitality brand by merging IHCL’s legacy of excellence with Brij’s design-focused approach.

Future Plans

This acquisition brings IHCL’s total to 610 hotels, with 253 more in the development phase, as part of its “Accelerate 2030” strategy. This expansion highlights IHCL’s commitment to strengthening its leadership in the leisure tourism market in India.