One of the USA’s most publicity-shy business icons has found himself in the spotlight this week after purchasing one of London’s most prolific property chains. California-born billionaire Ron Burkle has just bought a controlling stake in Soho House, a luxurious private members’ club reserved for the cream of the creative crop. The deal gives the 58-year-old business magnate 60% ownership of Soho House.
About Soho House
The luxurious Soho House was first established by UK entrepreneur Nick Jones in 1995. The highly exclusive club is open to select members of the creative industries such as film, fashion and media. Gaining membership to Soho House is notoriously difficult, and regarded as quite an honour even among the most elite creative professionals. The number of Soho House members worldwide totals 26 000, with an impressive 11 000 still on the waiting list! Nick Jones opened the original Soho House on London’s Greek Street, and over the years the Soho House Group has grown to include several members’ clubs at prestigious international addresses including Berlin, New Year and West Hollywood. There are also a number of luxurious Soho House hotels, restaurants, spas and even cinemas in the UK and US.
Members of the Soho House club currently include A-listers like Jude Law, Jack Nicholson and Ethan Hawke.
About Ron Burkle
Like Soho House, Ron Burkle started small and went from strength to strength over the years. He started out working as a bagger in the grocery store owned by his father, and went on to make his fortune as an investor in supermarket and grocery chains. The Soho House deal, at an estimated $383, would doubtless have been an easy purchase for Mr Burkle, who is currently ranked at number 107 on The Forbes 400 with an estimated net worth of $3.2 billion.
What’s Next for Soho House?
Ron Burkle is now the chairman of the Soho House Group, while Nick Jones retains his role as chief executive. Word has it that Ron Burke will be working with Mr Jones and fellow stakeholder Richard Caring to expand the Soho House franchise on a wider international scale. We could soon see the establishment of a Soho House club in Toronto and Mumbai, followed by Chicago, Barcelona and even Istanbul. This is good news for aspiring club members around the world, not to mention the jet-setting A-listers who will be thrilled to find a Soho House property at nearly any international destination.
Nicky Warner is a keen writer with a special interest in business leaders from any international office to rent. Nicky also has a keen interest in the latest property market developments and follows serviced offices London closely.
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