Lodging Daily News

NORWALK, Conn.—Priceline.com Incorporated announced that it has signed a definitive agreement for the Priceline Group to acquire KAYAK in a stock and cash transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, the transaction values KAYAK at $1.8 billion or $40 per share of KAYAK, with the Group paying approximately $500 million of the consideration in cash and $1.3 billion in equity and assumed stock options. The Boards of Directors of the Priceline Group and KAYAK have

BETHESDA, Md.—Marriott International, Inc. has completed the transaction announced on May 31 with Gaylord Entertainment Company, now Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., to acquire the Gaylord brand and hotel management company for $210 million. Gaylord Entertainment’s shareholders approved that company’s transition to a real estate investment trust on September 25, and Gaylord Entertainment merged with Ryman Hospitality Properties and assumed that name. Ryman will continue to own the existing four Gaylord hotels and Marriott will manage

MILWAUKEE, Wis.—A partnership with experience in hotel ownership, development, operations and marketing has formed to create Aparium Hotel Group, LLC and Aparium Development Company, LLC. Chicago-based Kevin Robinson and Mario Tricoci have partnered with Milwaukee developer Tim Dixon and Brigette Breitenbach. The company is currently managing The Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, a 100-room hotel and food & beverage operation. Robinson is the COO of Aparium Hotel Group, bringing nearly two decades of hospitality experience