Wyndham Worldwide Completes Sale of Its European Vacation Rentals Business to Platinum Equity Affiliate for $1.3 Billion
Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) announced the successful completion of its previously announced sale of its European vacation rentals business to an affiliate of Platinum Equity, LLC, a leading global private equity firm, for approximately $1.3 billion.
The industry-leading European vacation rentals business is the largest manager of holiday rentals in Europe, with more than 110,000 units in over 600 destinations across more than 25 countries. The business operates more than two dozen local brands, including cottages.com, James Villa Holidays, Landal GreenParks, Novasol and Hoseasons. In conjunction with the sale, the European vacation rentals business entered into a 20-year agreement under which it will pay a royalty fee of 1% of net revenue to Wyndham's hotel business for the right to use the "by Wyndham Vacation Rentals®" endorser brand. The European vacation rentals business will also participate as a redemption partner in the award-winning Wyndham Rewards® loyalty program.
"The completion of this transaction is a major milestone toward our becoming two strong, independent public companies leading the way in vacation ownership and hospitality," said Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Worldwide. "We are confident that the European vacation rental brands will continue to succeed with the support of Platinum Equity, and we are proud to continue our partnership with these customer-focused brands, underscored by the Wyndham Vacation Rentals® endorsement and participation in our award-winning Wyndham Rewards® loyalty program."
Wyndham Worldwide intends to use the net proceeds from the sale primarily to reduce its existing indebtedness.
Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs served as financial advisors, and Kirkland & Ellis International LLP and Dechert LLP served as legal advisors to Wyndham Worldwide.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
