BUZZ - Reports indicate Royal Caribbean is close to reaching a deal with Sandals Resorts, shares fall

September 22 - ** The share price of cruise operator Royal Caribbean (Royal Caribbean) RCL.N fell 7.4% to $231.64

** According to the Financial Times, RCL is close to reaching an agreement to acquire a majority stake in resort operator Sandals Resorts International

** The report said the deal would value Sandals at more than $6 billion

** The report, citing sources familiar with the matter, stated that some members of the family of the late founder Gordon Steward would retain equity in Sandals, while RCL would become the controlling shareholder

** Royal Caribbean and Sandals have not immediately responded to Reuters' request for comment

** In July, RCL raised (link) its annual adjusted earnings per share forecast from the previous estimate of $17.10–$17.50 to $17.73–$17.87, but lowered its annual revenue target

** The report said the two sides may reach an agreement in the coming days

** As of the close of the previous trading day, the stock had fallen about 10% year-to-date

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