Originally Posted by jahason
Any implications for Marriott's UK hotels?
I would think that whatever those implications would be they wouldn't come into play until the expiration of Whitbred's franchise agreement with Marriott/Renaissance comes into play. And even then, it might well be transparent.
Of course, you would also have to factor in whatever designs Starwood would have as to expanding their presence in the United Kingdom.
Interestingly, Marriott (don't know if it's Host or the Family Trust) has a substantial interest in a competitor on Maui, the Hyatt Regency and Hyatt's been franchising it to them for a substantial number of years since acquiring it. It's been a Hyatt since the time of its construction by developer Chris Hemmeter.
Adding:
Further research indicates that whatever Starwood's planning w/regards to Whitbread it will have no effect because Whitbread has previously divested themselves of their Marriott holdings.
From
BBC News, 10/24/06- headlined
Whitbread investors to bag £350m
Leisure group Whitbread has pledged to return £350m of proceeds from
its recent hotel, pub and restaurant sales to shareholders.
"The company has undergone a major restructuring. In April this year the group sold its luxury Marriott hotels business to the Royal Bank of Scotland for £951.4m to concentrate on its more lucrative budget hotels."
In context:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6080070.stm