Hyatt Hotels is in advanced talks to purchase Starwood Hotels & Resorts, according to a report.
A deal will be made in as little as a week, a source told CNBC.
It would see Hyatt management take control of the combined company.
Starwood's brands include Sheraton, Westin, Four Points By Sheraton, Element, Aloft, Meridien, St Regis, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels and Tribute Porfolio.
Last month, Starwood announced that the Great Northern Hotel in London is to become its first Tribute Portfolio property in Europe, and its second worldwide (see news, September 1).
Graham Smith