Friedkin Capital Partners, owned and operated by Houston businessman Dan Friedkin, has teamed with the Harmon family, owners of Auberge Resorts, by investing in the boutique luxury resorts owner and operator.
Friedkin will serve as chairman of the board and Mark Harmon, the CEO and founder, will continue to serve as CEO, member of the board, and will continue to run the day-to-day business of the company.
"We are thrilled to announce this investment in the company and are pleased to have found the perfect active partner in Dan Friedkin to help us accelerate our growth plan," says Mark Harmon. "This is an exciting time for our company, following our recent purchase of Calistoga Ranch and on the eve of the 2014 unveiling of our next new project, Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort on the Island of Anguilla. We look forward to expanding Auberge Resorts to encompass adventure travel and unparalleled luxury hospitality experiences."
"We understand and admire the Auberge Resorts philosophy, and I am very excited to help build and expand its international legacy," says Friedkin. "We look forward to the global expansion of Auberge Resorts and will leverage our experience to position the brand for success on a greater scale."
Friedkin manages investments across a diverse array of private businesses, including aviation, wholesale and retail automotive distribution and high-end hospitality asset development. Friedkin owns and operates Legendary Expeditions, a luxury safari operator with access to more than seven million acres in Tanzania. He is also the owner and chairman of Gulf States Toyota, an auto distributorship, as well as several Lexus dealerships.
Auberge Resorts was founded in 1998 by the Harmon family, following the 1985 launch of its Napa Valley flagship resort, Auberge du Soleil.
