Sol Kerzner out as Dubai buys stake in Kerzner International

A smiling Sol Kerzner is out of Kerzner International having been bought out by a Dubai company. Image: Hotel and Restaurant

The transaction will see ICD executive director and chief executive Mohammed Al Shaibani take over as chairman of the operator from South Africa-born hotel magnate Sol Kerzner‚ who founded the company in 1994.

The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Kerzner International Holdings operates globally under the One&Only and Atlantis brands - significantly in Dubai‚ with three resorts‚ along with two in the Bahamas and others in Mauritius‚ the Maldives‚ Mexico‚ South Africa and soon Australia.

Debt restructuring agreements last year saw Kerzner International Holdings handing over its Atlantis resort properties in Dubai and the Bahamas - effectively leaving it as a resort management‚ branding and development company.

State-run investment firm Istithmar World paid US$250m to buy out Kerzner International Holdings‚ which had held a 50% stake in the Dubai Atlantis hotels.

Shaibani said that the Kerzner business and its brands were "synonymous with the luxury hotel industry‚ a sector which is of strategic importance to Dubai".

Kerzner said: "I am exceptionally proud of all that has been accomplished at Kerzner International. This is a significant milestone in my life after a long and happy career in the tourism industry and I wish the company well. I am confident that with ICD's guidance‚ the company will fulfil its upcoming expansion, further growth and global reach."

Kerzner International Holdings chief executive Alan Leibman will continue to oversee the company's expansion‚ including a new Atlantis resort in China and four One&Only resorts being developed around the world.