Business takeovers by feel?

Dear Insider,

Is it possible to think like an Indian and act like a German? In theory, yes, but the differences in culture and in how quality and profit are defined do tend to come to the fore – in the 'little' things of working life. Our first article today explores the structure of PRISM in a little more depth – to help us understand the size of this tech giant and what drives the hotel operator. What are 'storefronts'? This unusual method of counting (for Europeans) shows, amongst other things, just how small the hotel sector is in Europe compared with all other types of accommodation. So, they will acquire even more hotels in Germany than the 24 that PRISM confirmed this week. Yes, the contracts have been officially signed, according to the Indian PR manager. We checked the list of names to see if all the hotels were still available for booking.

PRISM's managers are open and answer questions in a friendly and polite manner. However, due to the IPO application, much of the information provided to the press is severely restricted, so we have turned to our own extensive network. We noticed a great deal of nervousness and some odd behaviour during the first 'blind transfers of undertakings'.

Suddenly, an auditor from India turns up unannounced in the lobby; ad hoc requests for system access are made; the hotel staff are frustrated; and those who have spontaneously been handed their notice are still trembling. And just as it was back when US chains first ventured into Europe, it is now the Indians who are struggling with German law, for example with German works councils and the GDPR. Our sources point to weaknesses in operational implementation – more than we are describing today. That’s why most people call it chaos, speaking confidentially.

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Severe setbacks and plenty of motivation

17.7.2026

Dear Insider,

Latest from the court: In proceedings in Amsterdam, the Pension Fund of the Berlin Dental Association (VZB) had applied for an investigation into the business practices and management of Grand Metropolitan Hotels Holding B.V. (GMH), for the suspension of the chairman and for the appointment of an independent person (a lawyer) to the board. The court granted this request yesterday. Both companies are linked through a joint venture.

GMH Holding B.V. announced the "split" yesterday in a press release of its own. The general consensus was that an agreement with the VZB was clearly no longer possible. Smura points out that B.V. is an investment holding company within the existing structure and should not be equated with the GMH Group.

And we're staying in Amsterdam for a while longer. This time, Dutch hoteliers have taken the city to court – because it is set to raise taxes relentlessly and consistently until 2031. The first step was to increase VAT from 9% to 21% on 1 January this year. Then there's the tourist tax on top of that. Already, instead of paying €100 for the room, they're paying €133.50, and by 2031 it will be €141. Crazy. The first impact is already apparent.