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With the bid now withdrawn, Choice Hotels has announced it will concentrate on its independent strategy, including an increase in the company's share buyback authorization by five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.


Wonderla Delivers Record Q2 Performance with Strong Revenue and Footfall Growth

Wonderla Delivers Record Q2 Performance with Strong Revenue and Footfall Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 9, 2025

Wonderla Holidays Ltd. has announced its financial results for the second quarter and half year ended September 30, 2025, marking its best-ever Q2 performance in company history. The remarkable results highlight record revenues, strong footfall growth, and a sharp increase in profitability.

The company reported a 12% year-on-year rise in footfalls to 5.05 lakh visitors, with total income up 24% YoY at ₹88.52 crore and EBITDA soaring eightfold to ₹7.48 crore.

Parkwise, the company registered footfalls of 1.96 lakh in Bengaluru, 1.92 lakh in Kochi, 0.93 lakh in Hyderabad, and 0.24 lakh in Bhubaneswar, reflecting consistent performance across locations.

Commenting on the results, Arun Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Wonderla Holidays Ltd., said,

“This quarter marks a defining moment in Wonderla’s journey, as we achieved our best-ever Q2 performance with record revenues, footfalls, and a sharp improvement in profitability. A 24 percent year-on-year growth in total income and an 8X jump in EBITDA highlight the resilience of our business model and the power of the Wonderla brand.”

He added that the strong results were driven by effective branding and footfall-driving campaigns, alongside enhanced digital sales strategies, which now contribute to half of total bookings. The company’s investments in technology, operational efficiency, and customer convenience have played a vital role in driving this growth.

Chittilappilly also noted that new offerings like “Isle by Wonderla” continue to strengthen guest engagement and diversify the company’s revenue base.

“Looking ahead, we remain excited about the next phase of expansion. Work on our Chennai Park is progressing rapidly, and we’re on track to announce the launch by December 2025. With strong fundamentals, expanding capacity, and a trusted brand, we’re confident of sustaining our momentum and delivering long-term value to both our guests and shareholders,” he said.

With this milestone quarter, Wonderla Holidays continues to reinforce its leadership in India’s amusement park sector through innovation, guest experience, and strategic expansion.


Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Reports Q3 2025 Results

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Reports Q3 2025 Results

By Hariharan U

Published on October 27, 2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reported its Q3 2025 financial results, showing steady growth across operations and financial metrics. Global system-wide rooms increased 4% year-on-year to 855,400, including 503,400 in the U.S. and 352,000 internationally, while the company awarded 204 new development contracts, up 24% from Q3 2024. The global development pipeline grew 4% to 257,000 rooms, with roughly 70% in midscale and above segments and 58% internationally.

 Ancillary revenues rose 18% compared to the same period last year. Net income climbed 3% to $105 million, and adjusted net income reached $112 million, with diluted EPS increasing 5% to $1.36 and adjusted diluted EPS up 5% to $1.46. Adjusted EBITDA grew 2% to $213 million, while global RevPAR declined 5% in constant currency, mainly due to softer results in Asia Pacific and Latin America, partially offset by gains in EMEA and Canada.

Wyndham generated $86 million in net cash from operating activities and $97 million in free cash flow, ending the quarter with $70 million in cash and total liquidity of about $540 million, maintaining a net debt leverage ratio of 3.5x. In October 2025, the company refinanced its $750 million revolving credit facility, extending maturity to 2030, increasing capacity to $1 billion, and reducing borrowing costs by 35 basis points. Shareholder returns included the repurchase of 830,000 shares for $70 million in Q3 and year-to-date buybacks of 2.5 million shares for $223 million, alongside $31 million in dividends.

Looking ahead, Wyndham expects full-year global room growth of 4–4.6%, global RevPAR change of -3% to -2%, fee-related revenues of $1.43–$1.45 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $715–$725 million, adjusted net income of $347–$358 million, and adjusted diluted EPS of $4.48–$4.62, while maintaining a focus on portfolio expansion, strengthening its development pipeline, and delivering consistent shareholder value amid evolving industry conditions.


Alaska Air Reports Strong Q3 2025 Earnings, Expands Seattle Routes

Alaska Air Reports Strong Q3 2025 Earnings, Expands Seattle Routes

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 26, 2025

Alaska Air Group reported strong financial results for the third quarter of 2025, posting a GAAP net income of $73 million and adjusted earnings per share of $1.05. The airline’s growth is being fueled by new nonstop routes from Seattle to London and Reykjavik, set to launch in May 2026, and the introduction of the Atmos Rewards loyalty program, which exceeded premium credit card sign-up expectations.

In a major technological upgrade, Alaska Air is installing Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi across its fleet, offering complimentary access to Atmos Rewards members. The company is also progressing with the integration of Hawaiian Airlines and advancing its Alaska Accelerate strategy, aiming for significant growth and profitability by 2027.

Analysts have assigned a Hold rating on ALK stock with a $49.00 price target, citing strong financial recovery but noting bearish technical indicators and increased leverage as potential risks. The airline continues to focus on expanding its global reach and enhancing customer loyalty through strategic partnerships and its Atmos Rewards program.

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