Hilton's largest shareholder, HNA Group, to sell some or all of its $6.5bn stake

Chinese conglomerate HNA Group has announced that it intends to sell “some or all” of its $6.5bn stake in Hilton Worldwide, according to a regulatory filing. 

HNA Group is the largest shareholder in Hilton with a 26.1% share in what is one of the world’s largest hotel operators. 

The Chinese firm bought around a one-quarter stake in Hilton Worldwide in 2016.

This investment turned into three separate stakes when Hilton split itself into three publicly traded entities the following year - Hilton Worldwide, Hilton Grand Vacations and Hilton Park Hotels and Resorts. 

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Last month, HNA began offloaded its stakes in Hilton when it sold shares in Hilton Grand Vacations and Park Hotels and Resorts for around $1.1bn and $1.4bn respectively.

HNA said that it is “determined to pursue a sale of some or all of the common stock” that it currently holds in Hilton Worldwide, as it tries to balance its books. 

One of the world’s largest hotel operators, Hilton Worldwide has more than 5,200 hotels across the globe operating under 14 brands including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree by Hilton and the Tapestry Collection.

Hilton Hotels did not respond to HNA’s announcement.