Auberge Resorts Announces Strategic Investment From Friedkin Capital Partners

MILL VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Auberge Resorts, developer, operator and owner of boutique luxury resorts, residences and private clubs across North America, announced today that Friedkin Capital Partners, owned and operated by Houston businessman Dan Friedkin, has teamed with the Harmon family, owners of Auberge Resorts, by investing in the company. Dan will serve as Chairman of the Board and Mark Harmon, the CEO and founder, will continue to serve as CEO, member of the board, and will continue to run the day-to-day business of the company.

This investment brings together two like-minded legacies, that of Dan Friedkin and Auberge Resorts' Harmon family, who share a longstanding history of successful investing and development in the hospitality industry. Combining their expertise in the hospitality business, as well as their passion for travel, adventure and enriching experiences, this partnership plans to fill a niche highly sought after by today's luxury consumer. The new capital provided by Friedkin Capital Partners will enable Auberge Resorts to expand its presence internationally through new projects in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and Africa.

"We are thrilled to announce this investment in the company and are pleased to have found the perfect active partner in Dan Friedkin to help us accelerate our growth plan," said Mark Harmon, CEO, Auberge Resorts. "This is an exciting time for our company, following our recent purchase of Calistoga Ranch and on the eve of the 2014 unveiling of our next new project, Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort on the Island of Anguilla. We look forward to expanding Auberge Resorts to encompass adventure travel and unparalleled luxury hospitality experiences."

"We understand and admire the Auberge Resorts philosophy, and I am very excited to help build and expand its international legacy," said Dan Friedkin, Chairman and CEO of Friedkin Capital Partners. "We look forward to the global expansion of Auberge Resorts and will leverage our experience to position the brand for success on a greater scale."

As Chairman and CEO of the private equity firm Friedkin Capital Partners, Dan Friedkin manages investments across a diverse array of private businesses, including aviation, wholesale and retail automotive distribution and high-end hospitality asset development. Friedkin owns and operates Legendary Expeditions, a luxury safari operator with access to more than 7 million acres in Tanzania. He is also the owner and chairman of Gulf States Toyota, an auto distributorship, as well as several Lexus dealerships. Under Friedkin's leadership, his family directs substantial amounts of its wealth to proven, tactical approaches in environmental stewardship, the preservation of wildlife, and community development both in their hometown of Texas and across the globe.

Auberge Resorts was founded in 1998 by the Harmon family, following the 1985 launch of its Napa Valley flagship resort, Auberge du Soleil. Auberge Resorts' diverse portfolio of award-winning properties are located in some of the world's most sought-after destinations. The Auberge brand has developed a loyal following of affluent travelers seeking experiences enriched by locally inspired cuisine, personalized service, award-winning spas and spectacular natural settings.

Moelis & Company acted as exclusive financial advisor to Auberge Resorts in the transaction.

About Auberge Resorts

Auberge Resorts is a collection of exceptional hotels, resorts and private clubs, each with a unique personality that assures a memorable guest experience. While Auberge Resorts nurtures the individuality of each establishment, all are characterized by a set of communal elements: intimate, understated elegance; captivating locations that inspire exceptional cuisine and spa experiences; and gracious yet unobtrusive service. Among the Auberge collection of distinctive properties are: Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, Calif.; Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley, Calif.; Solage Calistoga, Napa Valley, Calif; Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, S.C.; Hotel Jerome, Aspen, Colo.; the Malliouhana Hotel & Spa, Anguilla; The Auberge Residences at Element 52, Telluride, Colo.; and Pronghorn Resort, Bend, Ore., with several others currently in development. For more information about Auberge Resorts, please visit http://www.aubergeresorts.com/. Follow Auberge Resorts on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and on Twitter at @AubergeResorts.

About Friedkin Capital Partners

Friedkin Capital Partners is a private equity platform founded by Dan Friedkin, to fund and manage family investments across a diverse array of private businesses, including aviation, wholesale and retail automotive distribution and related services, and high-end hospitality. The Austin-based firm provides entrepreneurs and exceptional management teams an independent and private source of capital, unbiased and objective advice, and access to an extensive network of business relationships and affiliations, with the goal of expanding businesses built on a solid foundation while creating long term value for all stakeholders. Friedkin Capital Partners is managed by a team of experienced and dedicated investment professionals who believe in providing value-added capital, strategic development, and operational expertise to support the management teams they partner with in investments.

SOURCE Auberge Resorts