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CMA Opens Probe Into Hotel Chains Over STR Data Sharing

No findings have been made at this early stage of the competition investigation.

Overview

  • UK regulators are examining whether Hilton, IHG and Marriott shared competitively sensitive information via CoStar’s STR analytics platform.
  • CoStar, including its UK unit, and the three hotel groups have been formally named as parties under investigation.
  • The CMA says information exchange through third‑party tools can reduce competitive uncertainty and make coordination easier.
  • The investigation opened on 24 February 2026, with an information‑gathering phase scheduled from February to August 2026.
  • The authority reminded relevant parties to preserve documents under section 25B and pointed to its leniency and informant reward channels.