The merger between Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts has received regulatory approval from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The go-ahead from Chinese regulators marked the final hurdle for the transaction. The two companies now expect to close their deal before the markets open on Sept. 23. Earlier this year, following a bidding war for Starwood between Marriott and Anbang Group Insurance Co., Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson said the company expected the deal to close at midyear. But in early August and again in early September, China's regulatory body asked for more time to review the merger. Once the transaction closes, Marriott will become the largest hotel company in the world.