By Noel Young

The last-minute deal by Marriott International to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide for $12.2 billion, has shocked the world’s hospitality business.

The combination will create the No. 1 hotel company globally—with more than a million rooms—says the Wall Street Journal. A total of 30 brands are involved – from Starwood’s higher-end W Hotels, St. Regis and Westin brands to Marriott’s limited-service offerings like Courtyard by Marriott and its extended-stay chain Residence Inn.

Starwood, based in Connecticut, had been listening to sales offers for months. Big Chinese companies were considering a bid for Read full story ›

Source: The Drum