Boston, Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gordon Brothers, the global asset experts, is offering leasehold interests of luxury fully furnished boutique hotels, cottages and apartments across the United States from Sonder Holdings. These highly sought after hospitality accommodations are available across 190 locations in 17 states. Interested parties have the flexibility to make an offer on either a full or partial portfolio, starting with just one lease. “These leases offer a unique opportunity for growth m ...

Core Insights - Sonder (SOND) shares experienced a significant increase, more than doubling on November 20, driven by speculative momentum and retail enthusiasm rather than fundamental improvements [1][5][6] - The stock is currently trading below $1, categorizing it as a penny stock, which is known for high volatility and limited institutional support [5][6] - The company has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and has ceased operations, indicating severe financial distress [3][4] Company Financial Status - Sonder has liabilities that far exceed its assets, with no clear path to recovery, making it unlikely for equity holders to see any residual value [3][4] - The company is involved in a legal battle with Marriott International, which adds to its financial challenges [4] Market Behavior - The recent surge in SOND shares resembles a meme stock rally characterized by massive trading volume, lack of news, and social media hype [5][6] - Such rallies are typically short-lived and can lead to sharp reversals, posing risks for latecomers [6] Analyst Coverage - Wall Street analysts have ceased coverage of Sonder shares, resulting in no updated earnings estimates or price targets, leaving retail investors without guidance [7][8]

Core Insights - Hospitality company Sonder has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy following the termination of its partnership with Marriott International, leading to the winding down of its US operations [1][2][3] Financial Overview - Sonder's estimated assets and liabilities are both listed between $1 billion and $10 billion, indicating significant financial distress [2] - The company faced severe financial constraints due to challenges in integrating its systems and booking arrangements with Marriott [3] Operational Impact - Following the abrupt end of its licensing agreement with Marriott, Sonder's properties are no longer available for bookings through Marriott channels, resulting in cancellations for travelers [4] - Sonder plans to initiate insolvency proceedings in other countries where it operates, indicating a broader impact beyond the US [3] Historical Context - Sonder was once valued at over $1 billion and had a long-term licensing agreement with Marriott signed in August 2024, which has now been terminated due to Sonder's default [3][4]

Core Insights - Sonder's partnership with Marriott was crucial for its operations, but the termination of this agreement led to the company's bankruptcy plans and significant operational challenges [3][4][5] Company Overview - Sonder was once valued at over $1 billion and managed thousands of short-term rental units globally, including apartment-style and boutique hotel accommodations [4][5] - The company experienced rapid growth, achieving $143 million in revenue by 2019 and signing nearly 10,000 units in that year alone, which was expected to generate an additional $500 million in annual revenue [6][7] Recent Developments - The licensing deal with Marriott, which allowed Marriott Bonvoy members to book Sonder stays, was terminated due to Sonder's default, leading to chaos for guests [3][4] - Following the termination, Sonder announced plans to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and liquidate its U.S. business, as well as initiate insolvency proceedings in other countries [4] Financial Challenges - The company faced severe financial constraints, including difficulties in integrating its systems and booking arrangements with Marriott [5] - The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Sonder's revenue, causing a collapse in earnings and increased financial burn [7][8][9]

Core Viewpoint - Marriott International has terminated its licensing agreement with Sonder Holdings due to Sonder's default, resulting in Sonder no longer being part of the Marriott Bonvoy program and its hotels being unavailable for new bookings through Marriott channels [1] Group 1: Company Actions - Marriott's immediate priority is to support guests currently staying at Sonder hotels and those with upcoming reservations [1] - The company will reach out to guests who booked directly through Marriott's official channels to assist with their reservation needs [1] - Guests who made reservations through third-party online travel agencies are advised to contact those agencies directly [1] Group 2: Company Overview - Marriott International, Inc. is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and as of September 30, 2025, operates over 9,700 hotels across more than 143 countries and regions [2] - The company manages hotels, residential properties, timeshare properties, and other lodging assets through owned, franchised, and licensed models [2] - Marriott offers the award-winning Marriott Bonvoy travel platform [2]

Core Viewpoint - Sonder Holdings, a short-term rental firm, announced it will wind down its US operations following the abrupt termination of its partnership with Marriott, leading to plans for Chapter 7 liquidation and insolvency proceedings in other countries [1][3]. Group 1: Company Operations - The company plans to file for Chapter 7 liquidation of its US business and initiate insolvency proceedings in other countries where it operates [1]. - The interim CEO, Janice Sears, expressed devastation over the decision to liquidate, indicating it was the only viable path forward [1]. - The decision to wind down operations was influenced by unexpected challenges and delays in the partnership with Marriott, which was intended to facilitate direct bookings for Marriott Bonvoy members [2][3]. Group 2: Financial Impact - The challenges faced by the company resulted in a substantial and material loss in working capital, prompting the exploration of strategic alternatives before deciding on liquidation [3]. - Following the news of the partnership termination, Sonder's shares plummeted 60%, closing at $0.20 per share, down from a valuation of $1.925 billion when it went public in 2022 [5]. Group 3: Customer Impact - The abrupt end of the partnership left travelers, including those with ongoing reservations, scrambling for new accommodations, highlighting the immediate impact on customers [3][4].

Core Viewpoint - Sonder Holdings Inc. has announced the immediate winding down of its operations and plans to initiate Chapter 7 liquidation of its U.S. business due to severe financial constraints and unsuccessful efforts to secure additional liquidity [1][2][3] Financial Challenges - The company faced significant financial difficulties stemming from prolonged integration challenges with Marriott International, which ultimately led to the termination of their licensing agreement [2][3] - Efforts to explore financing and strategic alternatives, including a potential sale of the business, were unsuccessful, prompting the decision to liquidate [2][3] Operational Impact - The integration delays with Marriott resulted in unexpected costs and a sharp decline in revenue, contributing to a substantial loss in working capital [3] - The company has expressed gratitude to its employees and partners for their support over the years, highlighting the dedication to guest experience [3] Future Proceedings - Additional information regarding the court proceedings and the status of operations outside the U.S. will be provided by the Chapter 7 Trustee or the company's international subsidiaries in due course [3]

Core Point - Marriott International has terminated its licensing agreement with Sonder due to a default from Sonder [1] Company Summary - The termination of the agreement indicates potential financial instability or operational issues within Sonder [1]

Core Points - Marriott International, Inc. announced the termination of its licensing agreement with Sonder Holdings Inc. due to Sonder's default [1] - Following the removal of Sonder rooms, Marriott's net rooms growth for 2025 is now projected to be approximately 4.5 percent [1] - There are no changes to other outlook metrics previously provided by Marriott on November 4, 2025 [1] Company Overview - Marriott International, Inc. is based in Bethesda, Maryland, and operates a portfolio of over 9,700 properties across more than 30 brands in 143 countries and territories as of September 30, 2025 [2] - The company engages in the operation, franchising, and licensing of hotels, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties globally [2] - Marriott offers the Marriott Bonvoy travel platform, which has received multiple awards [2]

Core Points - Marriott International has terminated its licensing agreement with Sonder Holdings due to Sonder's default, resulting in no affiliation with Marriott Bonvoy and unavailability of Sonder properties for new bookings on Marriott's channels [1] Group 1: Impact on Guests - Marriott's immediate priority is to support guests currently staying at Sonder properties and those with upcoming reservations, with plans to contact guests who booked directly through Marriott channels [2] - Guests who booked through third-party online travel agencies are advised to contact those organizations for assistance [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Marriott International, based in Bethesda, Maryland, operates over 9,700 properties across more than 30 brands in 143 countries and territories as of September 30, 2025 [4] - The company offers the Marriott Bonvoy travel platform, which is highly awarded [4]