Friday, April 1, 2016

Anbang abruptly pulls Starwood offer, clearing Marriott path

A group led by China’s Anbang Insurance Group Co. withdrew its US$14 billion ($19 billion) takeover offer for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., a surprise move that ends a three-week bidding war and clears the way for an acquisition by Marriott International Inc.

The group decided not to proceed because of “various market considerations,” according to a statement Thursday. Anbang, working with J.C. Flowers & Co. and Primavera Capital Group, had last weekend made a non-binding cash offer of US$82.75 a share -- the latest of multiple bids since earlier this month. With the withdrawal, Starwood reaffirmed its commitment to a takeover by Marriott.

Anbang’s latest move came with as much surprise as its unexpected offer three weeks ago, about four months after Marriott signed its merger deal with Starwood. The group’s exit means Marriott moves closer to an acquisition that would form the world’s largest hotel company, adding brands such as W, Westin and Sheraton to its roster.

“It’s a shock,” James Corl, managing director at real estate private equity firm Siguler Guff & Co., said of Anbang. “My guess is it boils down to some regulatory risk.”

Starwood shares fell 4.1% to US$80.05 as of 6.20pm New York time. Marriott slipped 4.9% to US$67.69.

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