Marriott International, Starwood Hotels to Merge

Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide have reported a blockbuster merger that will see Marriott acquire Starwood — creating the world’s largest hotel company with a combined 1.1 million rooms in more than 5,500 hotels.

It’s reported that the board of directors of both companies unanimously approved the deal, with the merged company offering a “broader choice for guests [and] greater opportunities for associates…”

According to officials, the transaction combines Starwood’s leading lifestyle brands and international footprint with Marriott’s strong presence in the luxury and select-service tiers, as well as the convention and resort segment.