Press Release: Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts by Marriott

On 27 June 2016 the European Commission cleared the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts by Marriott International, both of the US. The Commission found that the takeover would not adversely affect competition in Europe.

Both companies are mainly active as managers and franchisors of hotels worldwide. At global level, more than 4 500 hotels in 85 countries operate under a Marriott brand and about 1 300 hotels in nearly 100 countries under a Starwood one.

The Commission assessed the impact of the proposed acquisition on competition in Europe in the market for hotel accommodation services and in the markets for hotel management and hotel franchising services.