Stoneshield Capital Becomes Meliá’s Second-Largest Shareholder 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- Stoneshield Capital has become the second-largest shareholder in Meliá Hotels International (Meliá) with a 9.5 per cent stake, while Stoneshield co-founder, Juan Pepa has been appointed to Meliá’s Board of Directors.

In a statement, the investment firm said the appointment reflected its intention to act as a long-term reference shareholder and support the hotel group’s future growth and capital allocation strategy.

Stoneshield Capital co-founder, Felipe Morenés Botín said tourism remained a structurally supported sector globally, while Meliá had demonstrated resilience and adaptability in expanding its international hospitality platform.

Pepa added that the company sees opportunities to strengthen Meliá’s market position through capital management, operational efficiency and disciplined expansion.

Meanwhile, Meliá chairman and chief executive officer, Gabriel Escarrer welcomed Stoneshield as a major shareholder, describing the investment as support for the company’s long-term strategic direction.

Headquartered in Spain, Meliá operates a portfolio of more than 400 hotels either in operation or in the pipeline across international urban and resort destinations.

The investment aligns with its strategy of partnering with real asset platforms positioned to benefit from long-term structural growth trends, supported by operational improvements and balance sheet optimisation.

-- BERNAMA