DENVER — RLH Corporation has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Sonesta International Hotels Corporation under which RLH will be acquired by Sonesta in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $90 million. The agreement has been unanimously approved by the RLH board of directors.
RLH currently franchises eight hotel brands: Hotel RL, Red Lion Hotels, Red Lion Inn & Suites, Signature Inn, GuestHouse Extended Stay, Americas Best Value Inn, Canadas Best Value Inn and Knights Inn.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, holders of RLH’s common stock will receive $3.50 per share in cash. This represents an 88-per-cent premium over the Nov. 4, 2020, closing share price — the last trading date before Red Lion most recently provided an update on its strategic alternatives — and a 30-per-cent premium over the closing price prior to the transaction being announced.
“We’re excited about unlocking shareholder value through this all-cash transaction with Sonesta,” says R. Carter Pate, chairman of RLH. “After conducting a thorough review of strategic alternatives, the board believes today’s announcement is in the best interest of all of Red Lion’s shareholders.”
The transaction, which is currently expected to close in the first half of 2021, is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of RLH’s shareholders, who will vote on the transaction at a special meeting on a date to be announced. The transaction is not contingent on receipt of financing by Sonesta. Upon completion of the transaction, RLH will become a privately held company and its common stock will no longer be listed on the NYSE.
Jefferies LLC is serving as lead financial advisor and CS Capital Advisors, LLC is serving as financial advisor to Red Lion. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Fox Rothschild LLP are serving as legal counsel to Red Lion.
