Hospitality groups Kāpura (formerly Wellington Hospitality Group) and Joylab (formerly Barworks) are joining forces to create Star Hospitality Group.

Kāpura operates more than 35 venues across the Wellington region, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty and employs more than 1000 people, while Joylab operates more than 20 bars and restaurants across Auckland and employs about 600 people.

In a statement announcing the merger, DB Breweries – the current major shareholder in Joylab – says that it will acquire the remaining shares in Joylab and merge Joylab with Kāpura.  Kāpura founders Jamie Williams and Andrew Williams will continue as shareholders in Star Hospitality Group. 

Kāpura CEO Jamie Williams will become CEO of Star Hospitality, while Joylab Managing Director John Hellebrekers will join the Star Hospitality Board.  The Star Hospitality executive team will include senior executives from Kāpura and Joylab.

DB says that the transaction is expected to close in April 2023 subject to standard consents and further details will be released upon the transaction closing.