REAL ESTATE

Marriott to Purchase Senior-Housing Firm: The Bethesda, Md.-based company said it will buy Forum Group Inc. for $605 million in cash and debt, making it the nation’s second-largest owner of housing communities for the elderly. Marriott International Inc., which mainly manages hotels, now operates 27 housing communities that offer elderly residents private apartments, common dining facilities, on-site medical attention and recreational activities. Forum operates 42 similar facilities. Shareholders of Fairfax, Va.-based Forum will receive $13 a share in cash, or $302 million. Marriott will also take on $303 million of Forum’s debt. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval. Forum shares rose 12.5 cents to close at $12.625 on Nasdaq; Marriott was off 12.5 cents at $46.50 on the New York Stock Exchange.