Who says Hollywood is all glitz and scripts?
Actor-turned-investor Ashton Kutcher has just helped scoop up Soho House — the ultra-trendy private members’ club — in a $2.7 billion (£2bn) deal.
Yes, that Soho House, the celebrity haunt where Prince Harry reportedly first courted Meghan Markle.
The group, which began in London’s Greek Street back in 1995, now runs 46 swanky “houses” from Shoreditch to Miami.
Add in chic beach clubs and co-working spaces, and you’ve got a global brand dripping with star power.
But here’s the catch: since floating on Wall Street in 2021, its share price has slumped.
What’s The Criticism?
Critics claim its “exclusive” edge has dulled, and profit has been a constant struggle.
Enter Kutcher, alongside MCR Hotels and private equity giant Apollo, in a move to take the company private again.
The agreed price — $9 a share — gives investors an 18% boost from last week, but it’s still well below its 2021 peak.
Tyler Morse, MCR’s boss, is optimistic: “We’ve long admired Soho House for bringing cultures together.”
“We look forward to its continued growth.”
But not everyone’s convinced. Susannah Streeter of Hargreaves Lansdown warns the club needs “more than celebrity stardust” to restore its shine.
So, can Soho House regain its cachet — or has exclusivity already left the building?
