Omnes and Banque des Territoires partner with hotel group Eklo to support the development of innovative tourist accommodation offers

Omnes, via its Construction Energie Plus (CEP) fund, and Banque des Territoires, which both have expertise in setting up and structuring tourism real estate projects, have signed a strategic partnership with the hotel group Eklo. The latter offers the innovative concept of an economic, ecological and friendly hotel, halfway between the hotel and the hostel.

This partnership materialized through the creation of the EKOM INVEST real estate company, aimed at financing the design and construction of 5 to 10 hotels operated by Eklo, which are highly energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Several projects are already being reviewed, notably in Marne-la-Vallée and Lyons.

Eklo was founded by Emmanuel Petit with the support of Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson, the co-founders of the Accor group. The group focuses on conviviality and offers a hybrid and atypical offer with large common design spaces that meet the requirements of both comfort, environmental performance and economic efficiency. Eklo, which aims to open 40 hotels in France in the next 10 years, already owns and operates five hotels in Le Mans, Le Havre, Lille, Bordeaux and Clermont Ferrand. Another hotel is under construction in Toulouse.

CEP fund (120 million euros) managed by Omnes is dedicated to financing construction or renovation projects relating to public and private buildings with high energy and environmental performance in the major French cities. Eklo marks CEP fund’s eighth investment.

Tourism development is one of the priority areas of activity for Banque des Territoires. Since 2017, it has invested close to €300 million in equity allowing it to generate more than €1.5bn from tourism projects. Banque des Territoires particularly supports operators in the growth phase of their projects.

Emmanuel Petit, Founding Chairman at Eklo: “Our ambition is to become a leading player in the economic and responsible hotel business in France. Our goal is to achieve strong growth in the next 10 years with a capacity of 4,500 rooms and 10,000 beds in France’s major cities. This new partnership with Omnes and Banque des Territoires allows us to accelerate the brand’s deployment and to finance two upcoming projects in Marne La Vallée and Lyons.”

Serge Savasta, Managing Partner at Omnes: “We are proud to be supporting Eklo’s development. The group has developed an innovative economy hotel concept that combines design, conviviality and ecology. This new product is responding to customer demand to be housed in places that are open to the city and more in respect of the environment. It illustrates our fund strategy to develop real estate projects that help energy transition. “

Hammou Allali, Director of City Tourism and Real Estate Department, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations: “Banque des Territoires continues its support of the operator Eklo after financing hotels in Clermont Ferrand and Toulouse. This partnership gives a strong impetus to developing a concept that perfectly addresses the new needs of hotel customers. It illustrates the willingness of Banque des Territoires to support the modernization of accommodation offering to increase the competitiveness of France as a destination and create value to increase the appeal of regions outside Paris.”