Following a strong run of new management acquisitions, Event Hospitality & Entertainment Limited (EVENT) today announced it has entered into a management agreement with Visy Dior Pty Ltd, an affiliated company of Merc Capital, to manage the hotel currently branded as Novotel Norwest. 

As of 2 April 2019, the hotel will relaunch as Rydges Norwest Sydney, alongside EVENT's current stable of hotels and resorts across Australia and New Zealand that include the Rydges, QT and Atura brands.

Plans are well underway for a major upgrade of the 132 room, 4.5 star hotel, located within the Norwest Business Park in Sydney's Hills District. The planned upgrade will focus on adding a contemporary vibrancy and appeal to the hotel's restaurant, bar and conference facilities, which will be designed to reflect and complement the locale of the property.

Norman Arundel, Director of Hotels and Resorts, EVENT, said, “The arrival of Rydges Norwest will herald a new era for this outstanding hotel.  Our team is excited about the appointment and look forward to Rydges becoming an integral part of the Norwest community.”

Tony Merhi, CEO and Managing Director of Merc Capital and affiliated companies, said, “After acquiring the Norwest hotel in mid-2018, I am pleased that Rydges will manage and operate the hotel.  Drawing on their strong track record of bringing exciting and innovative hotels to the market, Rydges will deliver an exceptional hotel experience for guests.

“As a local Australian brand, the Rydges team brings to Norwest a unique perspective, which will reflect the area and the needs of our valued guests.  We look forward to working with the Rydges team to make Rydges Norwest a huge success.”

Nick McLaughlin has been appointed as General Manager.  McLaughlin has previously been General Manager of two other EVENT managed properties; Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges and Thredbo Alpine Hotel.

 
-ENDS-

About EVENT Hospitality & Entertainment:

Event Hospitality & Entertainment (EVENT) is Australia and New Zealand's most highly regarded entertainment, hospitality and leisure company.

• Entertainment – Event Cinemas (Australia & New Zealand), Greater Union, BCC Cinemas, GU Film House, Moonlight Cinemas, State Theatre Sydney and Cinestar (Germany)
• Hospitality – QT Hotels & Resorts, Rydges Hotels, Atura Hotels
• Leisure – Kosciuszko Thredbo

EVENT listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in 1962 and trades under the ASX code of EVT.

About Rydges Hotels  

Rydges Hotels & Resorts is one of Australia and New Zealand's most loved and established hotel brands. First established in 1988, Rydges operates quality city, suburban and regional hotels throughout Australia and New Zealand. 

www.rydges.com

About Merc Capital
Merc Capital is a hugely successful Sydney based diversified investment and development group owned by renowned philanthropist and investor Tony Merhi. The principal activities of the group are:-

• Investment in hospitality, retail, industrial, office and residential assets
• Property development and construction
• Start-up gaming, entertainment and gig economy focused software developer investments