The Associated Press

American Realty Capital Hospitality Trust is spending nearly $2 billion to buy the Equity Inns portfolio of 126 hotels from Whitehall Real Estate Funds.

American Realty Capital Hospitality Trust says the deal gives it a large-scale and geographically diverse lodging portfolio, with locations in 35 states. The portfolio is franchised by hotel brands such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International.

The deal totals $1.93 billion, and the companies expect it to close in the fourth quarter.

American Realty Capital Hospitality Trust is a publicly registered, non-traded real estate investment trust. Whitehall Real Estate Funds is sponsored by The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

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