DLA Piper represented LaSalle Hotel Properties (NYSE: LHO) in a definitive merger agreement under which Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) will acquire 100% of LaSalle's outstanding common shares. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by LaSalle shareholders and Pebblebrook shareholders, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The transaction is valued at approximately US$5.2 billion.

The DLA team was led by partner Kerry Johnson (New York), and also included partners Robert LeDuc (Minneapolis and Chicago), David Clarke (Washington, DC) and Penny Minna (Baltimore); and associates Anna Spence (New York), Janessa Griffin (Chicago) and Benjamin Schuman (Baltimore).