Harrah's Close to Largest Casino Buyout

25.12.2007, Lesen Sie hier den Bericht über «Harrah's Close to Largest Casino Buyout».

By KEN RITTER

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Harrah's Entertainment Inc. has tentatively cleared the last remaining regulatory hurdle to the largest casino buyout ever.

Harrah's said Monday that the National Indian Gaming Commission has approved the company's $17.7 billion purchase by private equity buyers Apollo Management and Texas Pacific Group, pending final commission review. That conditional approval means Harrah's can go forward with the deal, which is expected to close in early 2008.

No further regulatory approval is required.

Officials with Harrah's in Las Vegas and the Indian gambling commission in Washington did not immediately respond Monday to messages seeking further comment.

Harrah's and the buyers received the go-ahead for the deal last week from the Nevada Gaming Commission, capping a 10-week campaign to obtain approvals from state gambling regulators in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Mississippi.

Harrah's, which had nearly $10 billion in revenue last year, operates more than 50 casinos including Caesars and the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas and Bally's in Atlantic City. Indian Gaming Commission approval is needed because Harrah's operates several tribal casinos as well.

The company's stock was up 51 cents to $88.84 in Monday trading. The buyout deal calls for Apollo and Texas Pacific to pay $90 per share.

Über Harrah's Operating Company, Inc.:

Founded in 1937, Harrah´s Entertainment, Inc. is the world´s largest casino operator.

We operate 28 casinos in 12 states under the Harrah´s, Harveys, Horseshoe, Rio, and Showboat brand names. Our goal is to provide great customer service in exciting and entertaining environments, and become your overwhelming first choice for casino entertainment.

We concentrate on building loyalty and value for our customers, shareholders, employees, business partners, and communities by being the most service- oriented, technology-driven, geographically-diversified company in gaming. Enjoy your visit to our site. We look forward to your comments about us.

--- Ende Artikel / Pressemitteilung Harrah's Close to Largest Casino Buyout ---


Weitere Informationen und Links:

Weitere Nachrichten der Gaming-Branche