EVT Limited has successfully completed its acquisition of Pro-invest Hotels (PIH), a move that simultaneously launches new pillar EVT Connect Hospitality and positions EVT as the second-largest hotel operator across Australia and New Zealand.

The company’s CEO Jane Hastings represents a major step forward in the company’s long-term hotel growth strategy – a priority for the Group. “We welcome the Pro-invest Hotels team to EVT and have confidence in a bright future for this growth pillar under the leadership of Mathew Duff, EVT Director of Commercial and Connect Hospitality,” she said.

Three pillars are now key to the company’s future expansion: EVT Owned Brands which include QT, Rydges, Atura and LyLo which will grow through hotel ownership and asset-light management arrangements in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia; EVT Independent Collection which supports asset owners seeking bespoke branding while benefiting from EVT’s operational expertise; and new addition EVT Connect Hospitality which allows hotel owners to pair third-party brand franchises with EVT’s operating capabilities.

With the deal complete, the new platform includes 15 hotels and 3,200 rooms under management with Duff emphasising the competitive advantage EVT Connect Hospitality aims to deliver.

“EVT Connect Hospitality has been designed to power third-party brand performance in our markets,” he said. “An asset owner can now choose to franchise a third-party hotel brand and boost performance by leveraging EVT’s local and extensive expertise to ensure long-term success for our partners.”

He also highlighted the appointment of Troy Cuthbertson as General Manager of Operations, describing him as “a well-respected EVT hotel operator with more than 30 years’ experience in the industry.”

EVT stated it will continue to elevate the Connect Hospitality platform through investment in technology, sustainability initiatives, frontline talent and its award-winning culinary programs. These efforts, the company said, will help deliver “above market results” and greater flexibility for hotel owners of all types.

Pro-invest Group will continue to oversee asset management for the 15 hotels held by its three investment funds through its fund management platform.