UK competition watchdog investigates hotel groups over alleged data sharing

The Guardian - World NewsEN 2 min read 100% complete by Lauren AlmeidaMarch 2, 2026 at 10:47 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Hilton, InterContinental Hotels (IHG), and Marriott, three major hotel chains, over potential anti-competitive data sharing. The investigation centers on the use of data analytics tool STR, owned by CoStar, to share competitively sensitive information. The CMA suspects this information sharing could reduce competition and lead to coordinated behavior, potentially harming consumers. The CMA will spend six months gathering information, and IHG shares dropped following the announcement. CoStar and IHG have stated they will cooperate with the investigation. The CMA emphasizes that no conclusions have been reached and the investigation reflects a commitment to ensuring fair competition in the context of new technologies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

FTSE 100 30% Windsor, England 40% Washington DC 40% STR ×270% Hilton 70% Marriott 70% CoStar ×480% InterContinental Hotels (IHG) ×380% Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) ×790%

Keywords

data sharing 95% competition watchdog 90% investigation 85% hotel chains 80% cma 80% competitively sensitive information 75% data analytics 70% str 60% price fixing 60% competition law 50%