Strategic Hotels to conduct public offering

Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. said Monday it plans to make a public offering of 40 million shares of its common stock with an option to purchase up to 6 million more shares to cover overallotments. The real estate investment trust, which owns interests in 17 properties, plans to use the proceeds to fund its offer for its senior notes and for general corporate purposes. Shares of Strategic Hotels fell 74 cents, or 12 percent, to $5.19 in midday trading.