By the Caribbean Journal staff

Dallas-based Aimbridge Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management firm in the United States, is merging with multinational hotel firm Interstate Hotels and Resorts.

It’s a major move for Aimbridge, which just announced a significant expansion in the Caribbean with six new resorts in its regional portfolio.

The combined company will manage a total of 1,400 branded and independent hotel properties around the world.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Aimbridge co-founder and CEO Dave Johnson will become the new CEO of the combined business, while Interstate President Michael Deitemeyer will become the company’s global president.

“Aimbridge is thrilled about the opportunity to join forces with Interstate to enable us to bring even more value to our hotel owners,” Johnson said. “Our combined scale will ensure access to more robust data and the best talent to further differentiate us as leading hospitality managers. Personally, I am excited to work with Mike Deitemeyer, a good friend and well-respected industry leader.”

The deal, which is still subject to regulatory approval, is slated for completion by the end of this year.

— CJ