Hammons Hotels merger closes; name changed to Atrium Hotels

The merger was approved Thursday in Springfield during a special meeting of Hammons Hotels stockholders, who will receive $24 per share. As of 4 p.m. today, Hammons Hotels is no longer a publicly traded company. Shares of JQH closed at $23.97.

Hammons Hotels will continue operations under the name Atrium Hotels Inc., and all hotels will be managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels Management LLC.

John Q. Hammons continues to hold equity ownership in the business with about 75 shares.

"This merger provides us the ability to realize long-term growth and to expand our leadership position within the hospitality arena," he said.

Star Financial Inc. provided acquisition financing for the merger.

Hammons Hotels owns 44 hotels and manages another 22 over 20 states. Most operate under the Embassy Suites Hotels, Holiday Inn or Marriott trade names.