Well-known Northern Ireland family business McKeever Hotel Group is to buy Armagh City Hotel, according to reports.
The hotel, a popular spot for patrons from all over the county, went on the market in July for a list price of £9m through selling agents CBRE Hotels.
Now Armagh weekly newspaper the Ulster Gazette has reported that McKeever Hotel Group has agreed to buy the venue with a deal to be announced as early as next week.
CBRE Hotels and McKeever Hotel Group have been contacted for comment.
Ambitious family business McKeever, which is based in Newtownabbey, has been investing in expansion recently, including taking over the Lodge Hotel in Coleraine last year.
The 101-bedroom Armagh City Hotel first opened in 2002, and has since become a staple for entertainment in the city, hosting comedy gigs and tribute acts.
The hotel is also known for hosting galas, awards nights, weddings and even party political conferences.
The hotel was originally developed by Felix Mooney, Kieran McAnallen, Brian McCormack and the late Bertie Fisher. It currently has a workforce of around 175 people.
Speaking in July, Paul Collins, head of CBRE Hotels, said: “This highly profitable hotel and conference business is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a thriving business in the heart of the historic city with excellent future development potential.”
McKeever Hotel Group reported a £1.6m jump in turnover for the year to September 2023, from £13.6m the year before, although pre-tax profits declined from £1.9m to £1.4m.
The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine was its sixth venue alongside Co Antrim’s Adair Arms, Dunsilly, Corrs Corner and Dunadry Hotel and Gardens, as well as Dillons Hotel in Letterkenny.
In December, it announced a new high-end ‘spa garden’ had opened at the Dunadry in a £0.6m investment.
The adult-only retreat for up to 20 guests has been constructed in the former courtyard of the hotel by owner McKeever Hotel Group, which acquired the venue six years ago.
The spa garden includes hot tubs, a sauna, plunge pool and lounging areas with a temperature-controlled glass house. It is accessed from 10 specially-designed bedrooms.