BETHESDA, Md. and STAMFORD, Conn. — The planned merger of Marriott International, Inc. and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has received unconditional clearance from the European Union.
“This is an important merger for the hotel industry and its customers,” Commissioner for Competition, Margaret Vestager said in a press release. “Our investigation confirmed the hotel sector will remain competitive for customers in Europe following the merger, so I am pleased that the Commission was able to clear the transaction quickly.”
The closing of the proposed merger is still subject to obtaining additional antitrust clearances, including in China, and satisfying other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in July 2016.
