Wyndham rejects $9.8 billion takeover offer from Choice Hotels

Dallas, US: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc. rejected a takeover offer from Choice Hotels International Inc., saying the proposal undervalues the company's potential for growth and would be subject to a lengthy regulatory review.

Choice on Tuesday went public with its $90-a-share bid for Wyndham, a cash and stock deal that values the company at about $9.8 billion including debt. Wyndham broke off negotiations after the two parties had discussed a potential transaction for months, Choice said.

A deal also would face regulatory scrutiny given the US government's antitrust stance, Wyndham said in a statement.

Combining the two companies would create a giant player in the world of budget hotels.

Choice has about 7,500 hotels and 22 brands, including midscale, extended stay and economy offerings.

The most recent offer is sweetened from Choice's initial proposal in April to acquire Wyndham for $80 a share. Choice eventually increased the price to $90 and bumped the cash component to 55 per cent.