London hotel group Maybourne receives £1.6bn bid from Abu Dhabi

The owner of several renowned London hotels has reportedly been approached by Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund with a £1.6bn bid.

The Maybourne Hotel Group, which owns Claridge's, the Connaught and the Berkeley, is said to have been closely observed by the fund since its launch, according to a source cited by the Sunday Times.

According to the newspaper, Abu Dhabi's Investment Authority is believed to have written to Maybourne's holding company to declare its interest around a fortnight ago.

The approach follows a long lasting feud between Irish property investor Paddy McKillen and Ritz owners Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay over Maybourne after the Barclays raided the firm and built a 64% stake.

McKillen unsuccessfully took them to court over the move the following year.

The Sunday Times also said sources had revealed the Barclays would be willing to "sell out at the right price".

McKillen's spokesman told the publication that he has "no intention" of selling his stake in Maybourne.

"He is, however, willing to engage with any potential new partner," he added.