Wyndham's Barry Robinson
Wyndham’s Barry Robinson

Wyndham Worldwide’s recent announcement of its acquisition of La Quinta Holdings, representing approximately 87,500 rooms has significantly expanded Wyndham Hotel Group’s portfolio and hotel management business.

This is exciting news, says Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and Pacific Rim’s President and Managing Director, Barry Robinson.

“This strategic acquisition bolsters our leadership position in the midscale hotel segment, while propelling our portfolio to more than 9,000 hotels around the world – roughly 40 per cent more than our next largest competitor,” he said.

“Wyndham Hotel Group is further strengthening its position as a leading global hospitality company.

“La Quinta is the perfect strategic fit as we prepare to become the world’s largest independent, pure-play hotel company.

“This acquisition, the largest in our company’s history, will create enhanced opportunities across our business for staff, owners, guests, partners and Wyndham Rewards members,” Robinson said.

Under Robinson’s leadership from his Gold Coast, Australia, and Singapore headquarters, Wyndham Hotel Group has seen significant expansion across the Asia Pacific region in the past three years, having grown its portfolio to more than 246 hotels (and close to 54,000 rooms) open or in the development pipeline.

Wyndham Hotel Group is the world’s largest and most diverse hotel business based on number of properties. With the acquisition of La Quinta’s asset-light, fee-for-service business consisting of nearly 900 managed and franchised hotels, Wyndham Hotel Group will span 21 brands and over 9,000 hotels across more than 75 countries.

The acquisition of La Quinta is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018. Wyndham Worldwide’s planned spin-off of Wyndham Hotel Group remains on track for an expected distribution in the second quarter of 2018.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management