Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts have agreed to
extend the period of Chinese regulatory review for their planned merger at the
request of the Chinese Minister of Commerce, the companies announced Monday.
Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson said during the company's recent earnings call that the Chinese review period was set to end
Aug. 9. This new extension could last up to 60 days. China is the only country
yet to clear the planned merger, and its approval has already delayed closure
of the transaction, which was originally projected to occur in June. The
companies maintain their combination poses no anticompetition issues in China.