Branson property to rebrand in Welk Resorts acquisition

Welk Resorts' Branson property is slated to be rebranded as part of an acquisition announced last week.

Orlando, Florida-based Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. (NYSE: VAC) penned a definitive agreement to buy California-based Welk Resorts, according to a news release. The deal is valued at $430 million.

Welk Resorts' eight vacation ownership properties, including The Lodges at Timber Ridge in Branson, would take on Hyatt Residence Club branding upon completion of the acquisition. Officials expect to close the deal in the second quarter.

"Welk's premier resorts are in highly desirable vacation markets ... and will be a nice addition to our footprint," Marriott Vacations Worldwide CEO Stephen Weisz said in the release. "The acquisition will expand Hyatt Residence Club's geographic presence while providing substantial future growth opportunities."

The Branson resort opened in 1994, first focusing on musician Lawrence Welk, the company's namesake, with a performance theater, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Welk Resorts last year announced 94 employees were being laid off or furloughed amid the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.