Trucking magnate buys beach hotel

SANIBEL — An investment company controlled by trucking entrepreneur Larry Roberts Sr., who built Ohio-based freight company R+L Carriers, acquired the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa for $2.2 million.

The hotel acquisition is the latest in a string of property purchases by R.L.R. Investments, which has been buying commercial buildings in Southwest Florida throughout the real estate downturn.

The 407-unit beachfront resort's previous owners, Sanibel Sundial Partners, had filed for bankruptcy reorganization after acquiring Sundial in July 2012 for $2.3 million from Blackstone Group. Sanibel Sundial Partners subsequently invested $3 million to make improvements.

“Under the ownership of R.L.R. Investments, guests and owners at Sundial Beach Resort and Spa can expect the same high-quality services and amenities that they enjoy today,” says Don DeLuca, vice president and general counsel with R.L.R. Investments, in a statement.