A BOUTIQUE Hampshire hotel has been bought up as part of a multi-million pound acquisition by a Singapore firm.

Winchester’s Hotel Du Vin is one of 29 properties formerly owned by the Malmaision and Hotel Du Vin group (MHDV) as part of a £363-million purchase.

Fraser Hospitality UK Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Frasers Centrepoint Limited (FCL) based in the Far Eastern city-state, said the acquisition makes the firm one of “the leading hospitality players” in the hotel industry.

Founded by world champion sommelier Gerard Basset and hotelier Robin Hutson in 1994, the Hotel Du Vin in Southgate Street is regarded as the template of the modern boutique-style hotels.

Frasers Hospitality chief executive Choe Peng Sum said: “MHDV provides a tried and proven DNA in the boutique lifestyle segment for us.

“The purchase of Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin perfectly complements our brand portfolio and gives Frasers Hospitality a platform to expand into the fastest growing hospitality sector.

“We look forward to building on this success with future development in the UK, Europe and Asia.

“With these two best-in-class lifestyle brands, we are on track to reach our goal of operating 30,000 keys by 2019.”

MHDV holds the keys to 2,082 rooms across 25 cities after the management team has bought up a collection of premier boutique hotels which, like the Hotel Du Vin, have converted iconic landmarks throughout cities in the UK.

Fraser Hospitality has described Hotel Du Vin’s properties as an “elegant and eclectic style, with trademark bistros and an emphasis on outstanding wine that forms the heart of each of its 16 hotels”.

The Winchester hotel is the setting for many glamorous parties and Basset has since been awarded an OBE for services to the industry.

Other members of staff has also received awards for their knowledge of fine wines.

“Travellers are turning away from cookie-cutter hotel offerings, looking for lifestyle experiences. MDHV is key in developing this format and remains at the heart of its development,” added Mr Choe.

“FCL’s strategy remains focused on achieving balanced growth across asset classes and diversifying our earnings profile.

“This acquisition is important as it doubles our offerings in Europe to about 4,000 keys and it propels Frasers Hospitality to be one of the leading hospitality players in this market,” said Lim Ee Seng Group chief executive of FCL.

With the two new brands, the groups’ portfolio now comprises a range of upmarket hotels including designer hotels Capri by Fraser.

The inclusion of Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin brings Fraser Hospitality’s properties, across 77 cities and over 21,100 keys.

In 2012 the parent business went into administration but the hotel remained open during this time.