NEW YORK, March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Paulson & Co. Inc. ("Paulson"), a New York-based investment firm, today announced that it has acquired a majority interest in the Condado Vanderbilt and La Concha Renaissance Hotel and Tower, and the accompanying Condado Vanderbilt condominium towers in San Juan, Puerto Rico for $260 million, including costs to complete construction of the Vanderbilt. The investment was made in partnership with International Hospitality Enterprises ("IHE"), a highly regarded owner and operator of hotels in Puerto Rico.

The two oceanfront resorts are located in the heart of the Condado district in San Juan and comprise a total of 802 hotel rooms. The immediate surroundings are characterized by high-end retail stores, numerous restaurants and luxury condominium developments. The two resorts are separated by approximately 200 feet via the La Ventana al Mar public park.

Both properties have their main entrances along Ashford Avenue, providing unparalleled access to Old San Juan, extensive shopping, cruise ship piers, the new Puerto Rico Convention Center and the Hato Rey financial district. In addition, the San Juan Munoz Marin International Airport is only six miles away.

"These two properties are at the epicenter of luxury in San Juan. When completed, the oceanfront, 5- star Vanderbilt will be the most luxurious hotel in San Juan and a global destination spot. We believe the Puerto Rican economy is at the cusp of recovery and both these hotels will benefit from future growth in Puerto Rico," said John Paulson, Founder and President of Paulson & Co.

"We are excited to partner with Paulson & Co. and look forward to a prosperous relationship and to the successful completion of the Condado Vanderbilt," said Hugh Andrews, Founder and CEO of IHE.

"We look forward to working with Paulson to continue the successful development of these properties and the growth of downtown San Juan," said Alberto Baco Bague, the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce for Puerto Rico. "The Department of Economic Development and Commerce worked closely with Paulson & Co. to facilitate the purchase. The announcement adds to the building momentum behind economic development efforts in Puerto Rico. Investors like John Paulson are increasingly looking to Puerto Rico for investment opportunities, attracted by a business-friendly economic climate, a talented workforce and a good quality of life," Baco added. "There is more good news to come."

Upon completion, the Condado Vanderbilt will contain 319 spacious hotel rooms, including 108 suites, three food and beverage outlets, an 8,000 square foot spa and fitness center, 17,000 square feet of meeting space (30,000 with outdoor space), two pool areas and 370 parking spaces.

La Concha, a Renaissance Resort, currently contains 483 hotel keys, including 225 suites, 30,000 square feet of meeting space, a 17,000 square foot casino, five food and beverage outlets, three pools, generous common areas and 568 parking spaces.

Media contact: Armel Leslie, WalekPeppercomm, +1-212 931-6115, aleslie@peppercomm.com

About Paulson & Co.
Paulson & Co. is an investment management firm with approximately US$21 billion in assets under management and has offices in New York, London and Hong Kong.  www.paulsonco.com

About IHE
IHE is a leader in the development and management of award-winning hotels and casinos in Puerto Rico.  From a luxury boutique hotel to a hip urban resort, IHE manages 7 hotels and 2 casinos comprising over 1,200 rooms.  In the renovation, rebranding and repositioning of the hotels in its portfolio, IHE's success is unmatched in the Caribbean.   

SOURCE Paulson & Co. Inc.