Marriott becomes world's largest hotelier, buying Starwood

By Scott Mayerowitz, Associated Press New York — Hotel behemoth Marriott International is becoming even larger, taking over rival chain Starwood in a $12.2 billion deal that will catapult it to become the world's largest hotelier by a wide margin. The stock-and-cash deal, if completed, will add 50% more rooms to Marriott's portfolio and give it more unique, design-focused hotels that appeal to younger travelers. The new company would have 5,500 properties with more than 1.1 million rooms around the world, uniting Starwood's brands, which include Sheraton, Westin, W and St. Regis, with Marriott's two dozen brands including Marriott's Courtyard, Ritz-Carlton and Fairfield Inn....