The Russian businessman originally paired up with Omar Amanat to buy Aman Resorts for $358 million, at the time prevailing over other bidders for the hotel portfolio, loved the world over by its loyal and affluent guests – now known as “Amanjunkies” – of which Doronin himself was once one.
But he and Amanat fell out soon after the deal and have been battling for ownership ever since - as a result of the latest pronouncement, a statement from Doronin said all claims in the long-running court dispute had now been settled.
As a result, he continues to be in full control of Aman, with AH Overseas Ltd now the new holding company for the group.
The settlement was concluded with KPMG, the liquidators for Amanat’s vehicle ‘Peak Hotels & Resorts Limited’ (PHRL) which recently went into involuntary liquidation, according to the statement. It was PHRL which brought the initial claim in the High Court of England & Wales.
The statement added that PHRL has agreed to retract all allegations made against Doronin, his businesses and business relationships and to pay compensation of £12 million in respect of Doronin’s costs, and those of his fellow director, Johan Eliasch who was a party to the court case.
Doronin said: “I am delighted that my position has been fully vindicated in this settlement. I was always sure of this outcome and it is great news the truth has prevailed. This was a long process and the claims brought by PHRL should never have been started.”
Aman was started in 1988 by Adrian Zecha, who built a retreat on Phuket’s west coast, naming it Amanpuri, or “place of peace”.
