Marriott expansion in Africa, Middle East complete

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) -- Marriott has completed its acquisition of South Africa's Protea Hospitality Group, securing a total of 10,148 rooms in seven African countries.

With the acquisition, Marriott International Inc. says it becomes the biggest hotel operator in Africa and the company has nearly doubled its presence in the Middle East and Africa to more than 160 hotels.

"We are incredibly well-positioned to continue growing in one of the fastest expanding economic markets in the world," said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director of Marriott International's Middle East and Africa region.

Protea CEO Arthur Gillis will become non-executive chairman, Africa Development for Marriott International.

Marriott doesn't expect the Protea acquisition to have a material impact on its 2014 earnings. The company now runs or franchises more than 4,000 hotels in 79 countries.

The $200 million deal was first announced in January.