22/07/2024

McKeever Hotels Acquires The Lodge Hotel

McKeever Hotels has acquired The Lodge Hotel, a family-owned hotel in Coleraine, for an undisclosed sum.

The change of ownership aligns with the retirement of Ivor Boyd and Norma Wilkinson, who have successfully managed The Lodge Hotel for 30 years. They were joined in 2003 by their third partner, the late Brian Stockman. This highly successful partnership played a key role in establishing The Lodge Hotel as one of the north coast's most renowned locally owned hotels.

Describing the acquisition as a hugely positive development, Ivor and Norma said: "We are delighted to confirm that the McKeever family is now the new owner of The Lodge Hotel. We want to thank everyone connected with the hotel over the past 30 years, particularly our great team of staff and our many loyal customers. We also would like to thank John Turley from Turley Legal who guided us through the sale process.

"The McKeever Group has built its reputation on strong 'family' values which very much reflect our own. We’re delighted they recognised both the quality of our offering and the clear synergies between our hotels which will ensure The Lodge Hotel becomes a natural extension of the McKeever Group. It’s good to know that the future of our hotel is in the safest hands."

Eddie McKeever, Managing Director of the McKeever Hotel Group added: "We’re so pleased to welcome The Lodge to the McKeever family and regard this investment as great news, not just for staff and customers, but for the local community and the hospitality sector as a whole. The links between our hotels are many, not least the strong focus on quality service, professionalism, and customer care.

"This move is also strategic and totally aligned with our wider growth plans which have been supported by our banking partners Richard Lusty and Andrew Tew from Ulster Bank as well as continuing our long term relationship with Linus Murray from McKee’s Solicitors who has looked after many of our acquisitions. We look forward to extending the McKeever welcome to the local team and guests in the months ahead."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

20 November 2024
Pharmacist Sentenced For Drug Offences
A 27-year-old pharmacist from Belfast has been sentenced to 180 hours of community service for unlawfully possessing and stealing controlled prescription drugs. Adam Hanna pleaded guilty to charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Theft Act 1969. The offences took place at a North Belfast pharmacy between January and March 2024.
11 May 2015
Hastings Hotels Group Buys Windsor House
The Hastings Hotels Group has bought Ireland's tallest commercial building, Windsor House, for a reported £6.5 million. The group already owns the Europa Hotel, Culloden Estate and Spa and the Slieve Donard. The building is 80m tall and covers approximately 122,557 sq ft set over 23 floors.
25 November 2024
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
14 February 2022
One Hundred Hotels Receive Support Payments Of Almost £2m
Almost £2 million has been paid out to 100 hotels in just over two weeks from the Department of Finance's Omicron Hospitality Payment. Finance Minister Conor Murphy met with representatives from the NI Hotels Federation and hoteliers at Armagh City Hotel.
10 November 2023
Growth Plans Announced For McKeever Hotel Group
McKeever Hotel Group has revealed that it intends to grow its operations across its existing hotels in Northern Ireland and Donegal. The Antrim-based hospitality business aims to increase turnover to £60 million through the next three years, with further acquisitions and hotel management contracts included in the growth plan.