Hilton Seeks Buyout of Half of Hawaii Resort

Hilton Hotels Corp. said it has had talks with Prudential Insurance Co. about buying the insurance company’s half of their Hilton Hawaiian Village resort. An agreement, though, for Prudential’s 50% interest isn’t imminent, said Hilton Chief Financial Officer Matthew Hart. He wouldn’t give the terms discussed for the Hawaiian Village, which is Hawaii’s largest hotel with 2,545 rooms. Hart said Beverly Hills-based Hilton may seek to buy other hotels in Hawaii. “We are an avowed purchaser of properties,” Hart said. “These are unstable times in Hawaii.” Prudential officials who were aware of the talks couldn’t be immediately reached for comment. Earlier this year, Hilton unsuccessfully launched a hostile takeover of ITT Corp., which was eventually acquired by Starwood Lodging Trust. Hilton shares rose 88 cents to close at $28.06 on the New York Stock Exchange.