Wyndham Worldwide is to split its hotel and timeshare businesses in to separate companies. Its vacation rental division includes brands such as Novasol, Hoseasons, James Villa Holidays and Cottages.com, and is up for sale as its parent company doesn't believe it is "a natural fit under either the hotel or timeshare umbrellas".
Initial bids are due this month for division, which it is thought could bring in up to US$1 billion.
According to a report in Bloomberg, Airbnb is one of the potential bidders, while other reports have cited AccorHotels and HomeAway as potential suitors.
In February, Airbnb acquired Montreal-based Luxury Retreats, which specialises in high-end villa rentals and concierge services in the Caribbean.