Madrid: Stoneshield Capital has become the second-largest shareholder in Meli¡ Hotels International (Meli¡) with a 9.5 per cent stake, while Stoneshield co-founder, Juan Pepa, has been appointed to Meli¡'s Board of Directors.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the investment firm stated that the appointment of Juan Pepa reflects its intention to act as a long-term reference shareholder, supporting the hotel group's future growth and capital allocation strategy. Stoneshield Capital co-founder, Felipe Moren©s Botn, highlighted that tourism remains a structurally supported sector globally, with Meli¡ showcasing resilience and adaptability in expanding its international hospitality platform.
Pepa remarked that there are opportunities to enhance Meli¡'s market position through capital management, operational efficiency, and disciplined expansion. Meanwhile, Meli¡ chairman and chief executive officer, Gabriel Escarrer, expressed his welcome to Stoneshield as a major shareholder, noting the investment as an endorsement of the company's long-term strategic direction.
Headquartered in Spain, Meli¡ operates a portfolio of more than 400 hotels, either in operation or in the pipeline, across international urban and resort destinations. The investment aligns with its strategy of partnering with real asset platforms positioned to benefit from long-term structural growth trends, supported by operational improvements and balance sheet optimisation.