STARWOOD ACQUIRES LE MERIDIEN HOTELS AND RESORTS

Le Meriden Hotels and Resorts is now part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts group, which includes the Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels brands.

In a partnership with an affiliate of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., Starwood Capital Group Global LLC has completed its acquisition of Le Meridien's portfolio of owned and leased hotels, including properties in Europe, North America, South America and Africa.

The transaction involves 32 luxury, four- and five-star hotels located primarily in Europe. The portfolio includes more than 8,000 hotel rooms in 16 countries. Starwood Hotels obtained Le Meridien's brand, as well as management and franchise business.

Starwood also acquired 24 spas at Le Meridien resorts worldwide, solidifying the company's position as the largest operator of hotel-based spa properties.