Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide announced on September 16 that it will acquire all shares of US-based Ace Group International by the end of September for an estimated total of 13 billion yen.

The buyout of AGI will include the lifestyle hotels Ace Hotel, which was established in Seattle and aimed to incorporate a region’s culture and history through its design, art, music, and foods.

There are eight Ace Hotels globally and the acquisition will bring the total number of Prince Hotels to 94.

As a long-term goal, Seibu Prince Hotels aims to have 250 hotels by the 2035 fiscal year.

Lifestyle hotels are gaining popularity among young people internationally, and the company hopes to expand its customer base.

In Japan, there is currently only one Ace Hotel in Kyoto.

A Fukuoka branch is expected to open in 2027, and the brand seeks to open in Tokyo in the future.