Aug 17 (Reuters) - A group of investors led by New

York-based MCR Hotels is nearing a deal to take members' club

operator Soho House ( SHCO ) private, the Wall Street Journal

reported on Sunday, valuing the group at $1.8 billion.

Soho House ( SHCO ) shareholders will receive $9 per share - a 17.8%

premium to the closing price of $7.64 on Friday. The company is

currently valued at $1.49 billion.

The deal value is based on the company's more than 195

million outstanding shares.

Billionaire Ron Burkle, who is a controlling shareholder, is

expected to roll over his stake, along with several other

shareholders, the Journal said.

Apollo Global Management ( APO ) is expected to provide more

than $700 million in equity and debt financing for the deal, WSJ

said.

Soho House ( SHCO ), MCR Hotels and Apollo did not immediately

respond to Reuters' request for comments outside business hours.

Daniel Loeb, who runs hedge fund Third Point, in January

urged SoHo House ( SHCO ) directors to run a "fair" sales process and

consider other potential bidders after the hospitality group

received a take-private offer late last year.