RHG and MBD sign Master Franchise Deal to Expand Radisson Collection & RED in India

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) and MBD Group have announced a long-term strategic partnership under a Master Franchise Agreement to support the growth of RHG’s luxury and lifestyle brands, Radisson Collection and Radisson RED, at agreed locations across India

Anchored in RHG’s global brand standards and governance framework, the partnership represents a significant step in expanding the luxury hospitality and lifestyle segment in the country, combining RHG’s global brand platforms with MBD Group’s development and operational expertise. RHG will continue to pursue growth of these brands in India through multiple channels and strategic relationships.

Strategic Partnership Framework 

Under this strategic partnership, MBD Group will support the development of Radisson Collection and Radisson RED hotels across India. Alongside RHG’s independent development initiatives and broader partner network, MBD Group will also undertake business development, management and franchising functions, for both brands at identified and mutually agreed locations, thereby further contributing to RHG’s growth strategy in one of its key markets.

Radisson Blu MBD Noida to Transition to Radisson Collection MBD

As part of this strategic partnership, the iconic Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Noida, the first five-star hotel will transition to Radisson Collection MBD after undergoing a comprehensive upgrade aligned with the brand’s global standards. The hotel is among the highest-performing properties in RHG’s portfolio in India. This repositioning reflects RHG’s strategy to strengthen its luxury portfolio in India by elevating established landmark hotels within its premium brand tier, alongside continued development of Radisson Collection and Radisson RED through its broader partner network. 

Driving Next Phase Growth in India’s Luxury & Lifestyle Hospitality Segment

“India’s premium hospitality market continues to see strong growth, alongside rising demand for contemporary, design-led lifestyle experiences. This strategic partnership further strengthens our ability to expand Radisson Collection and Radisson RED across key Indian markets, alongside our broader development initiatives. MBD Group has been a trusted partner to Radisson Hotel Group for over two decades, and together we are well positioned to scale these brands while creating distinctive hotels that respond to evolving traveller expectations and reinforce our long-term commitment to India,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

“The collaboration supports our development momentum in India’s premium hospitality segment. Our development efforts with MBD team’s aid shall help us finding a higher quantum of opportunities in addition to our robust growth capabilities. With a clear asset-light focus, we are well positioned to scale strategically while sustaining long-term brand value,” said Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director, Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. 

Strategic Vision and Growth Roadmap

Commenting on the alliance, Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, said, “This partnership marks a decisive strategic milestone in MBD’s hospitality evolution. The first decade of partnership is targeted to deliver 50 co-branded hotels across Radisson collection MBD and Radisson RED MBD hotels predominantly through an asset light model. MBD’s prop book exposure will be around 25%. Radisson Collection MBD targeting luxury will have an extremely thought-through placement whereas Radisson RED MBD targeting lifestyle segment will be a far aggressive expansion. MBD will leverage on its pan Indian brand presence, operational excellence and no 1 leadership performance position amongst all Radisson Hotels in the country.”

Sonica further added, the planned portfolio is expected to follow an approximate mix of 80% managed and franchised hotels and 20% owned properties, reflecting a shared focus on scalable, asset-light expansion. The collaboration brings together Radisson Hotel Group’s global brand strength and MBD Group’s deep understanding of the local markets and operational expertise aimed at addressing the growing demand for high-end luxury and design-led lifestyle hospitality”

Design Philosophy and Brand Positioning

Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, MBD Group, added, “Luxury today is defined by aesthetic refinement and immersive experiences. With our project design and management expertise at MBD, we aim to deliver design excellence that elevates guest experiences. Radisson Collection MBD will reflect timeless, rooted and curated luxury, while Radisson RED MBD bringing bold, playful and socially driven design and MBD superimposing its beautiful cultural narratives will redefine luxury and lifestyle hospitality in India. MBD has exhibited pinnacle performance be it education or hospitality and with this partnership we aim to become number no1 luxury and lifestyle brand, Indian origin with Global confluence in the most elegant way.” 

Legacy and Value-driven Partnership

“Our association with RHG has always been built on trust and a shared commitment to quality. This expanded alliance is a reflection of the enduring legacy envisioned by our founder, Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra, building institutions anchored on integrity and a steadfast pursuit of excellence and creating a leadership position without compromising on culture and ethics. We are truly delighted to do extremely meaningful work on Indian hospitality landscape and make India most preferred destination,” said Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson, MBD Group. 

Together, Radisson Hotel Group and MBD Group are committed to shaping a new generation of luxury and lifestyle destinations across India, delivering sustainable long-term value for owners and partners while contributing to the continued evolution and strengthening of the country’s hospitality ecosystem. complementing RHG’s ongoing independent growth initiatives in the market.

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