Crunch time approaches for Marriott-Starwood deal

Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts is encouraging shareholders of both companies to vote in support of the proposed merger.

If completed the deal will create the world’s largest hotel company, with 30 brands across all major customer segments, significant economies of scale and the most powerful loyalty program in hospitality.

Both companies note that their renewed request for shareholder support follows Starwood’s announcement that a consortium of potential investors, led by Anbang Insurance Group, has withdrawn its alternative proposal to acquire Starwood.

Marriott and Starwood will host their respective shareholder meetings on April 8th, 2016 at 10:00 eastern time.

Under the terms of the existing merger agreement, Starwood shareholders will receive $21.00 in cash and 0.80 shares of Marriott International Class A common stock for each share of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide common stock.

Starwood shareholders will own approximately 34 per cent of the combined company’s common stock after completion of the merger, based on current shares outstanding.

Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer, Marriott International, said: “We are focused on maximizing shareholder value and from the beginning of this process we have been steadfast in our belief that a combination with Starwood will offer the highest value to all shareholders.

“Together, we can provide opportunities for significant equity upside and great long-term value driven by a larger global footprint, wider choice of brands for consumers, substantial synergies, and improved economics to owners and franchisees leading to accelerated global growth and continued strong returns.

“Our integration teams have been diligent in their work over the last few weeks and are more committed than ever to a timely and smooth transition.”

The companies also noted Starwood’s board of directors reiterated its unanimous support of the merger and that the board recommends that Starwood stockholders vote their shares in favour of the pending combination with Marriott.