Choice Hotels Ends $7 Billion Takeover Bid for Wyndham

Choice Hotels Ends $7 Billion Takeover Bid for Wyndham

By Author

Published on March 13, 2024

In a significant move within the hotel industry, Choice Hotels International has terminated its nearly year-long attempt to acquire Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, marking the end of a proposed merger valued at approximately $7 billion. The decision came after Choice faced repeated rejections from Wyndham and failed to secure adequate support from its rival's shareholders for its hostile bid. Initially proposed in April last year and made public in October with a cash-and-stock offer of $89 per share, the merger would have positioned the combined entity as a powerhouse in the US budget hotel sector, directly competing against upscale hotel chains that have recently entered the budget market.

Based in Rockville, Maryland, Choice Hotels boasts nearly 7,500 properties in 46 countries, offering a mix of upper-midscale and upscale accommodations through brands like Radisson, Country Inn & Suites, and Cambria Hotels. Wyndham, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, operates about 9,100 hotels across more than 95 countries, with a portfolio of budget brands including Travelodge, Ramada, Days Inn, and Microtel.

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The merger's potential brought to light concerns over antitrust risks and financial stability, with Wyndham highlighting the anticipated combined company's debt load and a slowdown in Choice's business as critical issues. Despite these challenges, Choice's bid did garner some support from Wyndham's shareholders, although less than 20%, insufficient for Choice to see a clear path toward completing the transaction.

With the bid now withdrawn, Choice Hotels has announced it will concentrate on its independent strategy, including an increase in the company's share buyback authorization by five million shares, or approximately $600 million. This move signifies a shift back to growth and development independently of the failed merger attempt.

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In response to Choice's withdrawal, Wyndham expressed confidence in its standalone strategy and growth prospects, underpinned by a management team with a proven track record. Analysts have reacted to the development, with some suggesting that ending the takeover bid could ultimately benefit Choice, allowing the company to focus on its core business and growth opportunities.

As the hotel industry continues to evolve, this aborted takeover bid highlights the complex dynamics at play in mergers and acquisitions, particularly in sectors with significant competition and regulatory scrutiny. Both Choice Hotels and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts now move forward independently, focusing on growth strategies that promise to enhance their positions in the competitive hotel market.


Union Budget 2026: Foodlink CMD calls for tourism and GST reforms

Union Budget 2026: Foodlink CMD calls for tourism and GST reforms

By Hariharan U

Published on January 16, 2026

Sharing his expectations from the Union Budget 2026, Sanjay Manohar Vazirani, Chairman and Managing Director of Foodlink F&B Holdings (India) Limited, said the hospitality and foodservice sector today mirrors India’s evolving consumption story, shaped by rising disposable incomes, experiential spending, and renewed momentum in tourism and events.

Vazirani noted that sustained focus on infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and improved urban connectivity would create a strong multiplier effect for hospitality-led businesses. He said such measures would help India strengthen its positioning as a global destination for premium culinary and lifestyle experiences.

From an industry standpoint, he highlighted the importance of GST rationalisation, clearer compliance frameworks, and continued support for skill development. According to Vazirani, these steps would not only improve operating efficiencies but also reinforce employment generation across the hospitality and foodservice value chain.

He further added that measures aimed at easing access to credit, simplifying trade processes, and supporting Indian hospitality brands expanding globally would benefit the sector while contributing to a stronger, services-driven economy.

Vazirani emphasised that a growth-oriented Budget, one that balances fiscal discipline with consumption-led and tourism-driven growth, has the potential to significantly accelerate India’s hospitality and experiential economy in the years ahead.


Aircastle to Announce Third Quarter Financial Results

Aircastle to Announce Third Quarter Financial Results

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 2, 2026

Aircastle Limited has announced that it will release its third quarter financial results for the period ended November 2025. The results will be made public before market hours, offering investors and industry stakeholders insights into the company’s recent performance.

Alongside the announcement, Aircastle’s management will host a conference call to discuss the financial results and provide updates on business operations. The call will be open to all interested participants, including analysts, investors, and members of the public.

Participants will be able to join the live conference call by dialing the designated toll-free or international access numbers. Callers are advised to join a few minutes early and reference the company name, “Aircastle,” when prompted by the operator.

A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will also be made available on a listen-only basis through the company’s official website. Listeners are encouraged to visit the website in advance to ensure that any required software is installed for uninterrupted access.

For those unable to attend the live session, a replay of the webcast will be available on Aircastle’s website shortly after the conclusion of the conference call, allowing stakeholders to review the discussion at their convenience.


SKA Arcadia Strengthens Retail Mix with Bercos, The Barbeque Company & Domino’s at Wave City

SKA Arcadia Strengthens Retail Mix with Bercos, The Barbeque Company & Domino’s at Wave City

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

SKA Group has announced the addition of three popular food and beverage brands—Bercos, The Barbeque Company, and Domino’s—to the retail portfolio of SKA Arcadia, its flagship commercial development in Wave City, Ghaziabad. The new brands will occupy a combined area of over 14,500 sq. ft., further enhancing the project’s appeal as a high-potential neighbourhood retail destination.

Strategically positioned at the main entrance of Wave City on NH-24, SKA Arcadia benefits from excellent connectivity to Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, and surrounding premium residential catchments. Its location, coupled with a thoughtfully curated tenant mix, continues to position it as one of the region’s most attractive emerging commercial hubs.

Commenting on the development, Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group, said that SKA Arcadia has been envisioned as a neighbourhood centre offering everyday convenience, quality dining, and a strong sense of community. He added that the inclusion of Bercos, The Barbeque Company, and Domino’s reflects the group’s focus on curating brands aligned with evolving consumer lifestyles, while creating a vibrant ecosystem where both retailers and customers can thrive as Wave City continues to grow.

The newly signed brands join established anchor tenants such as Haldiram’s, which occupies over 11,000 sq. ft. at the development. With these additions, SKA Arcadia further strengthens its positioning as a modern, experience-driven commercial destination designed for high footfall, convenience, and long-term value creation.

Spread across 2 acres, SKA Arcadia is a signature high-street commercial development featuring five floors of retail and dining spaces. The project offers premium amenities including fine dining restaurants, a food court, escalators, elevators, multi-level mechanical parking, power backup, and high-speed Wi-Fi, and is registered under RERA number UPRERAPRJ228610/03/2025.

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