Sovereign wealth fund Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is reportedly the front runner to acquire Marriott hotels in the UK.
The 42 properties were put up for sale by Royal Bank of Scotland last year with a sale price of more than $1 billion.
Several potential buyers have expressed an interest in the chain, including private equity giant Blackstone Group.
But The Times has reported today that Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has taken the lead in Marriott UK sale process.