Anbang says it’s dropping its $15 billion offer to acquire Starwood Hotels, citing various market considerations in ending a bidding war for the parent of St. Regis and Sheraton resorts.
The China-based insurer said that it won’t proceed further, sending Starwood shares down 4 percent in late trading Thursday.
Starwood Hotels, based in Stamford, Connecticut, said its board continues to support its existing deal with Marriott, which initially offered $12.2 billion for Starwood in November. That has since grown to more than $14 billion.
A representative for Marriott wasn’t immediately available to comment. The Bethesda, Maryland-based chain had reaffirmed its offer for Marriot earlier in the week, noting that the companies’ merger agreement offered shareholders a better deal. If completed, the combined company will be the world’s largest hotel chain.
