Luxury Club Brand Soho House Sold in $2.7 Billion Take-Private Deal

By Marcus Nkire
August 19, 2025

In a high-profile move that signals a major shift for the luxury members-only club chain, Soho House has agreed to a $2.7 billion private buyout led by MCR Hotels, one of the largest hotel operators in the United States. As part of the deal, actor and tech investor Ashton Kutcher will join the company’s board of directors, adding a celebrity spotlight to the strategic transformation.

Exit from Wall Street

The deal marks Soho House’s exit from public markets just four years after its initial public offering in 2021. Shareholders will receive $9 per share in cash, representing a premium of nearly 18% over recent trading prices. The move to go private follows years of financial challenges and concerns over the company’s ability to balance exclusivity with global expansion.

“Going private gives us the flexibility to focus on long-term growth without the pressures of quarterly earnings,” said founder Nick Jones, who will remain a shareholder along with other major backers including Ron Burkle, Richard Caring, and Goldman Sachs.

MCR Takes the Lead

MCR Hotels, best known for operating large-scale hotels across the U.S., will lead the acquisition, with financing from Apollo Global Management. MCR CEO Tyler Morse will become vice-chair of Soho House’s board, while Neil Thomson has been appointed as the new chief financial officer.

MCR’s strategy appears to be focused on maximizing the brand’s cultural capital while improving operational performance. The firm emphasized its intent to support Soho House’s creative community and curated lifestyle brand.

Ashton Kutcher Joins the Table

Perhaps the most surprising element of the deal is the addition of Ashton Kutcher to the board. Known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb, Spotify, and Uber, Kutcher brings tech savvy and star power to the table.

“Ashton has been a longtime member and understands the unique culture of Soho House,” said Morse. “His vision and network will be key to our next chapter.”

What’s Next?

Soho House has reported three straight quarters of profitability and has more than 170,000 members worldwide, with new club openings in cities like Mexico City and Bangkok. Despite this, critics have argued that the rapid expansion diluted the brand’s exclusivity and put pressure on margins.

By stepping away from the scrutiny of the stock market, the company hopes to reclaim its boutique identity while scaling with more intention.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

About Soho House:
Founded in London in 1995, Soho House is a global network of private members’ clubs, hotels, and coworking spaces aimed at creatives in industries such as fashion, media, and the arts.

About MCR Hotels:
MCR is the fourth-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, with more than 150 hotels across the country. The company has a reputation for operational efficiency and creative partnerships.

2 thoughts on “Luxury Club Brand Soho House Sold in $2.7 Billion Take-Private Deal

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *