Restaurant India News: Radisson Hotel Group, MBD Group Ink Master Franchise Deal to Boost Premium Portfolio in India

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) and MBD Group has announced a long-term strategic partnership under Master Franchise Agreement to support the growth of RHG’s luxury and lifestyle brands, Radisson Collection and Radisson RED, at agreed locations across India.

Anchored in RHG’s global brand standards and governance framework, the partnership represents a significant step in expanding the luxury hospitality and lifestyle segment in the country, combining RHG’s global brand platforms with MBD Group’s development and operational expertise.

RHG will continue to pursue growth of these brands in India through multiple channels and strategic relationships.

Under this strategic partnership, MBD Group will support the development of Radisson Collection and Radisson RED hotels across India. Alongside RHG’s independent development initiatives and broader partner network, MBD Group will also undertake business development, management and franchising functions, for both brands at identified and mutually agreed locations, thereby further contributing to RHG’s growth strategy in one of its key markets.

“India’s premium hospitality market continues to see strong growth, alongside rising demand for contemporary, design-led lifestyle experiences. This strategic partnership further strengthens our ability to expand Radisson Collection and Radisson RED across key Indian markets, alongside our broader development initiatives,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

As part of this strategic partnership, the iconic Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Noida, the first five-star hotel will transition to Radisson Collection MBD after undergoing a comprehensive upgrade aligned with the brand’s global standards.

The hotel is among the highest-performing properties in RHG’s portfolio in India.

Commenting on the alliance, Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, said, “This partnership marks a decisive strategic milestone in MBD’s hospitality evolution. The first decade of partnership is targeted to deliver 50 co-branded hotels across Radisson collection MBD and Radisson RED MBD hotels predominantly through an asset light model. MBD’s prop book exposure will be around 25%. Radisson Collection MBD targeting luxury will have an extremely thought-through placement whereas Radisson RED MBD targeting lifestyle segment will be a far aggressive expansion.”

The portfolio is expected to follow an approximate mix of 80% managed and franchised hotels and 20% owned properties, reflecting a shared focus on scalable, asset-light expansion.