NOHM Hospitality, a Dubai-based Firm, Acquires Cannes' Iconic Baoli Brand for Global Expansion

NOHM Hospitality, the food and beverage division of DIFC-based investment house Downtown Ventures, has completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in Baoli, the renowned restaurant and nightlife brand originating from Cannes, France.

This strategic move comes after the successful launch and operation of Baoli Dubai at J1 Beach, where NOHM Hospitality initially held a franchise licence since 2022. The Dubai venue, which opened in November 2024, has rapidly established itself as a prominent beachfront destination in the city, providing the impetus for NOHM to transition from franchisee to owner.

The high-profile deal was formally signed in Paris on 12 October, with Brandon Joseph, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Downtown Ventures, leading the negotiations. Downtown Ventures, with over 40 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, technology, and pharmaceuticals, sees this acquisition as a significant strengthening of its presence in the international luxury hospitality sector.

Global Expansion Plans

Following the acquisition, NOHM Hospitality has announced ambitious plans to expand the Baoli brand globally. Initial locations under consideration for new openings include St Tropez, Bodrum, and Courchevel. These destinations align with Baoli's established identity, which combines fine dining with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere, catering to a sophisticated international clientele.

Sanjeev Nanda, Managing Director of Downtown Ventures, highlighted the brand's potential:

"The tremendous success of Baoli Dubai has shown us the strength and brand recall of Baoli. Dubai, however, has now become the new flagship, and we believe this concept has great potential for global expansion. It’s only fair now that the brand rests in the UAE."

This acquisition marks a notable trend reversal, where a UAE-based group is taking ownership of a celebrated European hospitality icon, differing from the long-standing pattern of European brands expanding into the Gulf.