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Blackstone Books Hilton For $26B

Offer represents 40% premium; chain to stick to hotel management

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 3, 2007 8:38 PM CDT

(Newser) – Blackstone moved to expand its hotel portfolio in a big way late today, making a deal to take Hilton private for $26 billion, including $7.5 billion in debt. The $47.50 per share offer, 40% more than yesterday's close, turned the head of the chain's CEO, who called it "such a compelling price," the Journal reports.

Blackstone owns LaQuinta and Wyndham parent LXR, but Hilton dwarfs those holdings with nearly 500,000 rooms in 2,800 properties. Its recent strategy has been to sell off real estate and concentrate on management. The chain has been in play since the domestic brand bought Hilton International last year, reuniting the company after 42 years, the Times of London reports.

The Hilton Hotel at Boston's Logan Airport is seen, Monday, April 30, 2007. Hilton Hotels Corp. said Monday that its first-quarter profit fell 9 percent on the cost of renovations at a New York property. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
The Hilton Hotel at Boston's Logan Airport is seen, Monday, April 30, 2007. Hilton Hotels Corp. said Monday that its first-quarter profit fell 9 percent on the cost of renovations at a New York property....   (Associated Press)
(FILE PHOTO) U.S. Hilton Hotels Corp. Announces Takeover Of International Hotels
(FILE PHOTO) U.S. Hilton Hotels Corp. Announces Takeover Of International Hotels   (Getty Images)
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'   (Hilton Hospitality, Inc.)
The Hilton corporate logo is seen at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport hotel, in this Jan. 31, 2007 file photo. Hotel operator Hilton Hotels Corp. said Monday, April 30, 2007 its first-quarter profit fell 9 percent on the cost of renovations at a New York property. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, file)
The Hilton corporate logo is seen at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport hotel, in this Jan. 31, 2007 file photo. Hotel operator Hilton Hotels Corp. said Monday, April 30, 2007 its first-quarter profit fell...   (Associated Press)
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