Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WH) confirmed receipt of a 40-page and 65-topic ‘Second Request’ from the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, in connection with Choice Hotels International’s (CHH) unsolicited proposed acquisition of Wyndham: “From the beginning, Wyndham has consistently stated that this transaction would be subject to an FTC Second Request, and therefore the FTC’s decision to issue one is no surprise,” said Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman of the Board. “Choice, on the other hand, continues to ignore the significant risk this poses to our shareholders, and mischaracterize how the FTC will define the relevant market. The protracted review process – with an unpredictable timeline and outcome – would substantially reduce the value of Choice’s offer and disrupt Wyndham’s business.” Holmes continued, “The Second Request, which is issued in only around 1% of deals reviewed by the FTC, marks the start of a complex, lengthy process as both parties provide the FTC with the terabytes of data and documents it has requested, with an uncertain outcome and no guarantee of closing. Despite the distraction, the Board and management team will continue to execute Wyndham’s standalone strategy with a focus on providing shareholders with long-term, sustainable value.” Wyndham will comply fully with the FTC’s Second Request as required by law. The effect of the Second Request is to extend the 30-day waiting period imposed by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
Published first on TheFly – the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>>
See the top stocks recommended by analysts >>
Read More on WH:
- Wyndham Confirms Receipt of Expansive FTC Second Request Under HSR Act for Choice’s Unsolicited Hostile Offer to Acquire Wyndham
- RCL, WH, LVS: Which Travel Stock is the Best Buy?
- Choice Hotels disputes ‘false and misleading antitrust claims’ made by Wyndham
- Choice Hotels Sets the Record Straight on Path to Regulatory Approval of Combination with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts price target raised to $91 from $88 at Morgan Stanley