National + Finance | April 1, 2016

Anbang Abandons Starwood Quest

Following weeks of a bidding war against Marriott International Inc. for ownership rights of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., Anbang Insurance Group has abandoned its most recent offer of $14 billion. The Chinese insurance company and its partners indicated they are withdrawing from further attempts to acquire Starwood.

According to a statement from Anbang, “market considerations” halted the company’s drive to acquire Starwood. One source, however, indicated that Anbang likely wasn’t interested in a drawn-out bidding war.

The move paves the way for Marriott to acquire Starwood, which operates Sheraton, Westin and W hotels worldwide. Once the acquisition is complete, Marriott will be the world’s largest lodging company, with a portfolio of approximately 5,700 hotels.

Inside The Story

About Mark El-Rayes

Mark El-Rayes is an award winning designer and photographer from Beirut, Lebanon. El-Rayes has over 15 years in the design industry, 5 years of which he served as a Mass Communication Specialist in the United States Navy at Naval Air Station North Island, Navy Public Affairs Support Element - West (NPASE). El-Rayes is a full-stack developer, seo specialist, photographer, and artist.

Order Reprints