EVT Limited has unveiled its new third-party hotel management platform, EVT Connect Hospitality, alongside the acquisition of Pro-invest Group’s hotel management company.

The deal includes long-term hotel management agreements for 15 hotels across Australia and New Zealand, representing approximately 3,200 rooms under various third-party brands.

Under the agreement, Pro-invest Group will continue to oversee asset management responsibilities for the 15 properties via its fund management platform. The hotels will remain under their existing brands, meaning no changes for guests and partners. Completion of the acquisition is still subject to informal clearance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), as well as other procedural requirements.

While exiting hotel operations for these properties, Pro-invest will maintain management of its VISTA hotels portfolio. The group also plans to accelerate its activities in other asset classes, with a focus on commercial office, Flex living, Build-to-Rent (BTR), and other operational real estate investment opportunities. Its integrated business model will continue offering services across investment, development, asset management, and operations.

Since its establishment, Pro-invest has grown into a significant player in the hospitality sector, building a portfolio of 30 hotels across Australia and New Zealand.

Ronald Barrott, Founder and Chairman of Pro-invest Group, said: “Our goal has always been to deliver high-quality, resilient assets that meet the evolving needs of modern travellers and investors alike. We will continue to focus on hotel asset management while expanding in the rapidly growing sectors of flex living, BTR, and mixed-use developments. This deal with EVT is the right deal to benefit both our investors and our people and will further enhance EVT’s growth trajectory.”

Jane Hastings, CEO of EVT, commented: “The launch of EVT Connect Hospitality, seeded by the acquisition of PIH, represents a further initiative to grow hotel earnings. EVT Connect Hospitality will further enhance EVT’s ability to deliver value for asset owners who seek to franchise a third-party brand, supported by the expertise of the PIH team and now boosted by the ability to leverage our extensive EVT Group expertise. We look forward to welcoming the PIH team to our Group.”

The transaction has also drawn industry endorsement. Steve Carroll, Head of Hotels & Hospitality for CBRE, said: “This is an exciting deal that will enhance the hotel operating environment across Asia Pacific. EVT Connect Hospitality will inject expertise and capability to drive operating performance of the hotels. This operating solution is widely used across North America and Europe, and we expect this model to continue to evolve and grow across Asia Pacific in future years. We congratulate both parties on this transformational deal.”