Curious about Hilton Hotels’ ownership? Learn about Hilton Worldwide Holdings, its founding family, and the current structure of one of the largest hotel chains.
Who Owns Hilton Hotels?
Hilton Hotels is one of the most well-known hotel chains in the world, offering accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. But who owns this global hospitality brand? Hilton Hotels is owned by Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HLT. Let’s dive into the history and current ownership structure of Hilton Hotels.
1. The Conrad Hilton Legacy
The Hilton brand was founded by Conrad Hilton in 1919, when he purchased his first hotel in Cisco, Texas. Over the years, Hilton expanded the brand significantly, building a global empire of hotels and resorts. While the Hilton family was heavily involved in the business for decades, they no longer own a majority stake in the company today. However, they remain an iconic part of Hilton’s legacy, with Paris Hilton, the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, becoming a well-known figure in popular culture.
2. Public Ownership
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. went public in 2013, marking its return to the stock market after a period of private ownership. The company’s stock is available to public investors, which means anyone can technically own a share of Hilton. Major institutional investors like The Blackstone Group and Vanguard Group have held significant stakes in the company in recent years.
3. Private Equity and Blackstone’s Role
Hilton was acquired by The Blackstone Group, a global private equity firm, in 2007 for $26 billion. Blackstone’s ownership played a critical role in restructuring the company and expanding its brand portfolio. While Blackstone sold its final shares in 2018, its involvement helped shape Hilton’s modern success.
4. Current Structure
Today, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. owns, manages, and franchises a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels, DoubleTree, and Hampton Inn. With over 7,000 properties in more than 120 countries, Hilton is a leading player in the global hospitality industry.
In conclusion, Hilton Hotels is owned by Hilton Worldwide Holdings, a publicly traded company. Although it started as a family-owned brand, it is now largely owned by institutional investors and individuals who purchase shares on the stock market.