PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) (“Wyndham” or the “Company”), the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels spanning more than 95 countries, today confirmed receipt of a 40-page and 65-topic ‘Second Request’ from the Federal Trade Commission in connection with Choice Hotels International, Inc.’s (NYSE: CHH) (“Choice”) 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. 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. 

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.
Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman of the Board

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.

Independent third parties share Wyndham’s concerns. View additional support at https://www.staywyndham.com/additional-support/.

Advisors

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and PJT Partners are serving as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP are legal advisors to Wyndham.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world's largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,200 hotels across over 95 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 872,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 24 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. The Company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers over 106 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.

The Company may use its website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Disclosures of this nature will be included on the Company's website in the Investors section, which can currently be accessed at www.investor.wyndhamhotels.com. Accordingly, investors should monitor this section of the Company's website in addition to following the Company's press releases, filings submitted with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any public conference calls or webcasts.

About Wyndham Rewards

Named the number one hotel rewards program by readers of USA TODAY, Wyndham Rewards® is the world's most generous rewards program with more than 50,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide.

Designed for the everyday traveller, members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay and may redeem points for a wide range of rewards, including free nights at any of the approximately 9,100 hotels or tens of thousands of vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally through affiliation with Wyndham Destinations and others. Wyndham Rewards has over 103 million enrolled members globally. Join for free today at www.wyndhamrewards.com. You've earned this. ®

Related