Chinese competition watchdogs have given the go-ahead to hotel operator Marriott International Inc (NYSE:MAR) to buy rival Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc (NYSE:HOT).
Marriott said the anti-trust approval paves the way for the deal to close on Friday.
Starwood shareholders will receive US$21 in cash and 0.8 Marriott shares.
Marriott said the deal will underpin its status as the world’s biggest hotel company.