Hilton Says It’s Not Worried About Starwood-Hyatt Merger

In a third quarter 2015 earnings call with analysts Wednesday, Hilton Worldwide made clear that it is not bidding to acquire Starwood amid reports that Hyatt Hotels and three Chinese companies are pursuing Starwood.

Speaking with analysts, Hilton Worldwide CEO Chris Nassetta and CFO Kevin Jacobs agreed that they don’t view a potential Starwood combination with another company as a threat, adding that it wouldn’t change Hilton’s strategy.

“Hilton is not involved in the process in any way, and it is not worried,” an official said, adding that the Hilton network is a formidable one.

CNBC reported Wednesday that Hyatt Hotels is in advanced talks to buy Starwood, with a formal offer expected within the next two weeks.

Hilton also addressed questions regarding threats from Airbnb as it looks for ways to appeal to corporate travelers, saying Airbnb does not pose any threats to Hilton’s core values. Hilton officials added that Airbnb’s competitors lie more in the extended stay category, a 180 from statements made by Extended Stay America during its earnings call on Tuesday when officials said that Airbnb operates in a different space and caters to a different core business.