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PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apple Leisure Group, a leading hospitality company, today announced that KKR and an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners (KSL) have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the company from Bain Capital Private Equity. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Apple Leisure Group is North America’s top seller of all-inclusive vacation packages, with a vertically integrated business model that leverages its capabilities and expertise to deliver exceptional value to travelers, and distribution reach and resort management expertise for hotel owners. Apple Leisure Group’s collection of leading subsidiaries includes AMResorts (hotel management and marketing services), Amstar (the largest destination management company for Mexico and the Dominican Republic), a portfolio of travel distribution brands (Apple Vacations®, Travel Impressions®, CheapCaribbean.com®), and the exclusive Unlimited Vacation Club travel program.

“We are pleased to be partnering with KKR and KSL for our next phase of growth,” said Alex Zozaya, Chief Executive Officer of Apple Leisure Group. “They share our commitment to the vision of Apple Leisure Group as we continue to deliver great results to travelers, guests and hotel owners. We are extremely appreciative of Bain Capital Private Equity’s partnership and support in executing our growth mission and helping us strengthen our leadership position over the past four years.”

“Apple Leisure Group is a unique franchise with a differentiated market position as well as an impressive management team,” said KKR Members Paul Raether and Tagar Olson. “We are pleased to be partnering with KSL to continue to grow the company and build upon its already premier reputation in the travel industry.”

“Apple Leisure Group has emerged as a truly differentiated market leader, with a strong management team executing a strategic growth plan while continuing to deliver exceptional service and real value to leisure travelers,” said Phil Loughlin a Managing Director at Bain Capital Private Equity. “It has been a privilege to work side-by-side with this talented team as we have invested to build the business for the long-term by creating more effective collaboration among the various companies in the group and integrating several acquisitions which added value to the company’s product offerings,” added Ryan Cotton a Managing Director at Bain Capital Private Equity.

”Nearly 25 years ago, KSL first partnered with KKR to acquire premier hospitality businesses, and we are delighted to once again partner with them to invest in Apple Leisure Group,” said Richard Weissmann, a Partner of KSL. “We have spent several years searching for the right opportunity in the Caribbean, and could not be more pleased to partner with Apple Leisure Group and its talented management team and employees. With a devoted customer base and thousands of loyal members, we believe Apple Leisure Group has tremendous potential for future growth.”

The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2017, and is subject to customary regulatory approvals. KKR’s investment is being made principally from its eleventh Americas Private Equity investment fund.

Credit Suisse and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as advisors to Bain Capital Private Equity. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Dentons served as advisors to KKR and KSL.

About Apple Leisure Group‍

Philadelphia-based Apple Leisure Group® is a leading hospitality company in the North American travel industry. Its vertically integrated business model and robust infrastructure leverages the expertise of six innovative subsidiaries to deliver exceptional value to savvy travelers and strong resort performance to owners. ALG’s award-winning subsidiaries include: AMResorts®, provider of hotel management services under six luxury resort brands; Apple Vacations®, the world’s largest tour operator to Mexico and the Dominican Republic; Travel Impressions®, a prominent U.S. wholesaler possessing an extensive global portfolio; CheapCaribbean.com®, a popular online travel agency specializing in luxury vacation packages and resort accommodations in Mexico and the Caribbean; Amstar DMC, a destination management company offering premium airport transfers, tours and excursions; and Unlimited Vacation Club®, AMResorts’ popular guest loyalty program for discerning travelers who expect the very best in a vacation experience. For more information on Apple Leisure Group®, visit www.appleleisuregroup.com.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners' capital and brings opportunities to others through its capital markets business. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR & Co. L.P. (NYSE:KKR), please visit KKR's website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co..

About KSL

KSL is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, CO; Stamford, CT; and London. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately $7.4 billion in equity capital commitments. KSL’s current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com

About Bain Capital Private Equity‍

Bain Capital Private Equity (www.baincapitalprivateequity.com) has partnered closely with management teams to provide the strategic resources that build great companies and help them thrive since our founding in 1984. Our team of more than 220 investment professionals creates value for our portfolio companies through our global platform and depth of expertise in key vertical industries including consumer/retail, financial and business services, healthcare, industrials, and technology, media and telecommunications. In addition to private equity, Bain Capital invests across asset classes including credit, public equity and venture capital, and leverages the firm’s shared platform to capture opportunities in strategic areas of focus.

Contacts

Media :
For Apple Leisure Group:
Stanton Charlyn Lusk, 646-502-3549
clusk@stantonprm.com
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or
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For KKR:
Kristi Huller or Cara Kleiman, 212-230-9722
media@kkr.com
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or
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For KSL Capital Partners:
Julie Messing-Paea, 310-691-9979
julie.messing@mac.com
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or
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For Bain Capital Private Equity:
Stanton Alex Stanton, 212-780-0701
astanton@stantonprm.com

Link to Release

WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – Outrigger Hotels and Resorts (Outrigger) and KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL) announced today that affiliates of the companies have signed a purchase and sale agreement for an affiliate of KSL to acquire Outrigger. The transaction includes all 37 of Outrigger’s multi-branded portfolio of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties. The transaction is subject to shareholder approval and customary closing conditions.

“As one of the world’s leading investors in hospitality, KSL has the capital capacity to elevate Outrigger to the next level – infusing additional resources into our current assets and helping to accelerate our long-term growth goals,” said W. David P. Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “Without question, this is an exciting time for Outrigger; our brand has never been stronger and it is with enthusiasm that we look forward to the advantages that this transaction will create for our valued hosts, guests and communities we serve.”

“Since my grandparents – Roy and Estelle Kelley – founded Outrigger in 1947, our family-run hospitality business has created world-class vacations for millions of travelers and life-changing employment opportunities for our hosts,” said Dr. Charles Kelley, board chairman of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “Our family is humbled to have had the privilege of leading this company for nearly 70 years and to have worked with some of the best in the industry. We have a responsibility to make strategic decisions today that put our company on the best path for future success; we are confident that KSL will make Outrigger more resilient in today’s global hospitality market.”

“Outrigger is a well-established, highly successful company that has built a unique portfolio of world-class hotels,” said Marty Newburger, partner at KSL. “For nearly seven decades, the Outrigger team has been focused on providing authentic, localized experiences for guests in iconic resort destinations. We are excited to continue the strong tradition that the Kelley family has built. Outrigger’s and KSL’s values are aligned with creating lasting and memorable experiences for our resort guests at properties that are integral to the communities in which they operate. Outrigger owns and operates resorts in truly remarkable destinations and KSL is excited be a part of the next chapter of Outrigger’s extraordinary story.”

Upon closure of the transaction, Outrigger’s current management team will continue to lead the company and the company’s headquarters will remain in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Outrigger currently operates or has under development 37 properties with approximately 6,500 rooms located in Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island); Guam; Fiji; Thailand; Mauritius; and the Maldives.

Additional materials regarding the transaction are available at www.OurVoyageContinues.com

ABOUT KSL CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC‍

KSL is a leading investor in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, CO; Stamford, CT; and London, UK.  Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately $7 billion of capital and completed more than 30 investments in the travel and leisure industry. KSL’s current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. In the United States, KSL affiliates own the Miraval Group, the owner and operator of luxury spa and wellness properties, and the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California. KSL affiliates also own premier recreation businesses, including iFly Indoor Skydiving, the world’s leading operator of indoor skydiving facilities, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, one of the leading ski resorts in North America, and WellBiz Brands, one of the largest health and wellness franchise organizations in the United States. KSL affiliates own Ross Aviation, a leading owner and operator of Fixed Based Operations. In the United Kingdom, KSL affiliates own The Belfry in the West Midlands, Village Hotel Club, a chain of 28 boutique hotels throughout the U.K., and Cameron House in Loch Lomond, Scotland.

ABOUT OUTRIGGER HOTELS AND RESORTS‍

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is a privately held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality company with corporate offices in Hawaii and operating globally in the Asia-Pacific, Oceania and Indian Ocean regions. From its Outrigger Signature Experiences to its Outrigger DISCOVERY loyalty program, the values-based company invites guests to escape ordinary with exceptional hospitality and authentic cultural experiences, incorporating local traditions and customs at each of its properties worldwide. Guided by 69 years of family leadership, Outrigger runs a highly successful, multi-branded portfolio of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger® Resorts, OHANA Hotels by Outrigger®, Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger®, Embassy Suites®, Holiday Inn®, Best Western®, Wyndham Vacation Ownership® and Hilton Grand VacationsTM. Outrigger currently operates and/or has under development 37 properties with approximately 6,500 rooms located in Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island); Guam; Fiji; Thailand; Mauritius; and the Maldives. Find out; find Outrigger at: www.outrigger.com or visit @OutriggerResorts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Media Contacts:

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts
Monica Salter, VP Corporate Communications
Ph: 808‐ 921-6839
Email: monica.salter@outrigger.com

KSL Capital Partners, LLC
Julie Messing-Paea
Ph: 310-691-9979
Email: julie.messing@mac.com

Denver, Colorado, September 27, 2016 – KSL Capital Partners, LLC announced that certain of its affiliates (“KSL”) have entered into a definitive agreement to sell an aggregate of 2,727,750 common shares of Whistler Blackcomb Holdings Inc. (“Whistler Blackcomb”) in private transactions for CAD$36.38 per common share (or CAD$99.2 million in aggregate) representing approximately 7.1% of Whistler Blackcomb’s issued and outstanding common shares. Following completion of the transaction, KSL will continue to exercise control or direction over 6,364,750 common shares or 16.7% of Whistler Blackcomb’s issued and outstanding common shares.

On August 5, 2016, Vail Resorts, Inc. (“Vail Resorts”) and Whistler Blackcomb announced that they had entered into a strategic business combination joining Whistler Blackcomb with Vail Resorts (the “Vail Transaction”). Under the Vail Transaction, subject to the conditions set out therein, Vail Resorts would acquire 100 percent of the stock of Whistler Blackcomb, whose shareholders would receive per share CAD$17.50 in cash and 0.0998 shares of Vail Resorts common stock, subject to a currency exchange rate adjustment, as described in the Management Information Circular of Whistler Blackcomb dated August 31, 2016.

KSL entered into a support and voting agreement with Vail Resorts in respect of the Vail Transaction on August 8, 2016, which agreement remains in effect.  KSL continues to be shareholder of record in respect of 9,092,500 common shares of Whistler Blackcomb in respect of the special meeting of Whistler Blackcomb’s shareholders scheduled for October 5, 2016 and KSL has submitted its proxy in favor of the Vail Transaction. KSL believes the strategic combination of North America’s premier four-season mountain resort with the leading global mountain resort operator will result in additional geographic diversity, increased marketing exposure and guest relationships, and greater financial resources to complete Whistler’s ambitious growth plans. Eric Resnick and Peter McDermott, both of KSL, continue to serve on Whistler Blackcomb’s board of directors.  KSL does not intend to sell any additional common shares prior to the conclusion of the Vail Transaction.

An amended report regarding KSL’s holding in Whistler Blackcomb will be filed on SEDAR and will be available under Whistler Blackcomb’s profile at www.sedar.com or by request in writing to KSL Capital Partners, LLC, 100 St. Paul Street, Suite 800, Denver CO 80206.

ABOUT KSL CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC‍

KSL is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, CO; Stamford, CT; and London. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately $7.4 billion in equity capital commitments. KSL’s current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. In the United States, KSL owns the Miraval Group, the owner and operator of luxury spa and wellness properties, and the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California. KSL also owns premier recreation businesses, including Ross Aviation, which focuses on serving private aircraft at fixed based operations locations at major national and regional airports, iFly Indoor Skydiving, the world’s leading operator of indoor skydiving facilities, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, one of the leading ski resorts in North America, WellBiz Brands, one of the largest health and wellness franchise organizations in the United States. In the United Kingdom, KSL owns Cameron House on Loch Lomond, The Belfry in the West Midlands and Village Hotel Club, which owns and operates a portfolio of 28 hotels throughout the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain forward-looking statements or information, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the transactions disclosed herein and the Vail Transaction and other information or statements about future events or conditions which may prove to be incorrect. Any forward-looking statements and information are made as of the date of this press release, and KSL has no intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by applicable Canadian securities laws.

The head office of Whistler Blackcomb Holdings Inc. is:
4545 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, B.C. VON 1B4

DENVER—KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL) announced today that affiliates of KSL have completed the acquisition of six FBOs from BBA Aviation through a newly formed company to be known as Ross Aviation.  Jeff Ross, who is a seasoned industry executive with whom KSL has worked in the past, will serve as President and CEO of Ross Aviation.

The six FBOs are located at the following airports:

• Westchester County Airport, New York
• Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia
• Scottsdale Airport, Arizona
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alaska
• Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, California
• Fresno Yosemite International Airport, California

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“In 2014, the predecessor to Ross Aviation sold 20 FBOs to Landmark Aviation.  This acquisition marks our return to the FBO business, a business we have been involved in for nearly 30 years.  We look forward to being able to serve many former customers as well as many new customers, bringing to bear the service standards and customer contact that is symbolized by the name Ross Aviation,” said Jeff Ross.

About Ross Aviation‍

Ross Aviation and its predecessor vehicles have been based in Denver, Colorado for 23 years.  The company solely focuses on serving private aircraft at fixed based operations locations at major national and regional airports.

About KSL Capital Partners, LLC‍

KSL is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, CO; Stamford, CT; and London. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately $7.1 billion in equity capital commitments. KSL’s current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. In the United States, KSL owns the Miraval Group, the owner and operator of luxury spa and wellness properties, and the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, Calif. KSL also owns premier recreation businesses, including iFly Indoor Skydiving, the world’s leading operator of indoor skydiving facilities, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, two of the leading ski resorts in North America, WellBiz Brands, one of the largest health and wellness franchise organizations in the United States, and is a significant shareholder of Whistler Blackcomb, the most visited ski resort in North America. In the United Kingdom, KSL owns Cameron House on Loch Lomond, The Belfry in the West Midlands and Village Hotel Club, which owns and operates a portfolio of 28 hotels throughout the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

Aspen Snowmass, Colo., September 20, 2016 - East West Partners (East West), an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL) and Aspen Skiing Company (ASC), announced today that they have formed a joint venture to acquire the Snowmass Base Village project from Snowmass Acquisition Company, an affiliate of the Related Companies (Related). The acquisition includes all remaining development parcels, all commercial spaces in Base Village, the Snowmass Hospitality property management company and the Viceroy Hotel, including the unsold condominium units within the hotel. Lot 2 (where the Limelight Hotel will be built), is also part of the purchase and will now be developed by the joint venture. ASC will purchase the Limelight Hotel and 4 Mountain Sports space from the joint venture when they are complete, and continues to be committed to operating both. The joint venture will move swiftly to commence construction in Base Village next spring, with East West responsible for all day to day operations. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2016.

While the sale will not close until later this year, work will continue to move forward full speed with pre-construction efforts on the Limelight Hotel and with design for the Community building and Buildings 7 and 8. The joint venture’s plan is to begin construction on the Limelight Hotel, Building 4 and and the events plaza/ice rink in the spring of 2017, with construction of the Community building and Buildings 7 and 8 projected to begin in the latter part of 2017.

“East West Partners is very excited to be a part of the joint venture with ASC and KSL. We believe the completion of Base Village will be a great addition to Snowmass, and we could not imagine a better group of dedicated and experienced partners to join forces with to make this happen,” said Craig Ferraro, managing partner, East West. “We thank Related for its diligent efforts to complete the Town Agreements and look forward to working with the Town of Snowmass Village in the future.”

“Aspen Skiing Company has long been committed to ensuring that Snowmass is and remains one of the best ski areas in the world, including providing over $100 million worth of on- mountain improvements over the last 10 years and ongoing efforts to develop the Limelight Snowmass. While we were working towards starting construction on the Limelight Hotel, it became apparent that by working in a partnership with KSL and East West, both leaders in the ski industry, the Base Village could become the truly special entrance to Snowmass that we have envisioned for years,” said Mike Kaplan, president and CEO, Aspen Skiing Company.

Andy Gunion from East West will be appointed to lead the joint venture. Ferraro said, “Andy has been with East West for over 12 years and has led the acquisition work on Base Village for us. He has a broad range of relevant experience from project management of our Westin resort in Avon to his most recent role as CFO for the company. Andy and his wife look forward to moving to the Roaring Fork Valley and enjoying the uncrowded ski slopes and world class mountain biking.”

“We greatly appreciate all of the time and effort that town staff, council and others have invested in Base Village to bring it this far and we’re looking forward to working closely with everyone to complete this critical project in a manner that the Snowmass community can be proud of.” said Andy Gunion.

East West is a Colorado-based national real estate development company which was founded in 1986 with the purchase of land in the then emerging resort of Beaver Creek. Since that time East West has developed more than 60 projects comprising more than $3.0 billion of residential and commercial real estate in both resort and urban locations across the country and has been awarded the Urban Land Institute's Award for Excellence three times, most recently for its work on the Union Station neighborhood in Denver.

KSL is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, CO; Stamford, CT; and London. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately $7.4 billion in equity capital commitments. KSL’s current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. In the United States, affiliates of KSL own the Miraval Group, the owner and operator of luxury spa and wellness properties, and the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, Calif. KSL affiliates also own premier recreation and travel businesses, including iFly Indoor Skydiving, the world’s leading operator of indoor skydiving facilities, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, one of the leading ski resorts in North America, WellBiz Brands, one of the largest health and wellness franchise organizations in the United States, Ross Aviation, a leading owner and operator of Fixed Based Operations. In the United Kingdom, KSL affiliates own Cameron House on Loch Lomond, The Belfry in the West Midlands and Village – The Hotel Club, which owns and operates a portfolio of 28 hotels throughout the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.

Aspen Skiing Company owns and operates the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk – as well hospitality properties The Little Nell, Residences at The Little Nell, Limelight Aspen and Limelight Ketchum in Ketchum, Idaho, In addition, Aspen Skiing Company owns and operates numerous retail and rental locations through the resort and the Roaring Fork Valley.