Sam Zell’s interest could help Starwood stock

Real estate magnate Sam Zell may increase his stake in Starwood Hotels
& Resorts Worldwide, which could help the company’s stock. Zell’s
Equity Group Investments, which now owns about 14.8 million shares, or
8 percent, of Starwood stock, signed a confidentiality agreement with
Starwood Wednesday. Zell last bought Starwood stock in January 2008,
but the confidentiality agreement may mean Zell wants to buy a higher
stake in the company. Starwood’s New York City hotels include the
Westin New York at 43rd Street and Eighth Avenue.