Hotels (Commonwealth Union) _ Loughborough-headquartered The Access Group, a leading business management software provider valued at over £1 billion, has expanded its reach by acquiring global hotel and casino technology specialist SHR. This acquisition is a pivotal move for Access Hospitality, establishing a significant presence in North America and bolstering its aim to become a top global provider of comprehensive hotel management solutions.
The merger of SHR’s advanced technology with Guestline’s end-to-end hotel platform, which Access acquired in 2023, will offer Access Hospitality customers a seamless, integrated technology solution from a single provider. SHR’s 2,000 hotel clients will join Guestline’s 3,000 properties, enabling all clients to benefit from enhanced efficiency, profitability, and a complete digital guest journey.
SHR, based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Ireland and Spain, brings a robust suite of solutions including a Central Reservation System (CRS), Internet Booking Engine (IBE), Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), Revenue Management System (RMS), and digital marketing and loyalty tools. Utilizing AI, SHR personalizes guest website experiences, increasing relevance and boosting direct revenue through improved conversion, upselling, and cross-selling.
This acquisition strengthens Access Group’s modular product approach, allowing hoteliers to customize their technology stack based on specific needs. By integrating SHR’s products with Guestline’s Property Management System (PMS) and other offerings from the wider Access portfolio, such as ResDiary, Procure Wizard, and Access EPoS, Access aims to be the preferred technology provider for mid-market hoteliers, focusing on independent hotels and regional chains globally.
Andrew McGregor, former Guestline CEO and current VP of Accommodation at Access Hospitality, emphasizes the strategic importance of this acquisition. “This deal brings us closer to our goal of being the global go-to technology partner for hotels, helping them deliver exceptional guest experiences and increase profitability,” he stated.
Champa Magesh, MD of Access Hospitality, highlighted the significance of incorporating SHR into their portfolio. “We’ve always strived to provide world-class products and unrivaled technological capabilities. SHR embodies that ambition, offering advanced automated hotel technology that revolutionizes guest experiences and drives operational efficiencies,” she said.
Rod Jimenez, CEO of SHR, echoed these sentiments, noting that joining the Access Hospitality family will provide SHR’s customers with access to a complete suite of products and services. “Access is a leader in providing software and services to UK and European hotels. Their comprehensive solutions support excellent guest experiences cost-effectively and sustainably. This partnership will accelerate innovation across our products and customer support services,” Jimenez remarked.
With this acquisition, The Access Group solidifies its position as a formidable player in the global hospitality technology market, poised to deliver innovative solutions that enhance guest experiences and drive hotel profitability.
