The casino giant Caesars Entertainment (CZR) is set to be acquired by Fertitta Entertainment, a conglomerate with holdings primarily in the hospitality industry, in a $17.6 billion all-cash deal, including $11.9 billion in Caesars debt.
Caesars stock rose 2% in premarket trading on Thursday as investors assessed an offering that will create a “dynamic hospitality company across industry leading iconic gaming, digital and restaurant platforms,” per the Caesars press release.
Fertitta will pay Caesars shareholders $31 per share in cash, the companies announced Thursday morning, offering shareholders a 7.7% premium over where the stock closed trading on Wednesday. The deal includes a “go-shop” period through July 11, during which Caesars can review other offers.
A tie-up between Caesars and Fertitta would combine 60 casino resorts and gaming facilities, a swath of online gaming and sports betting options, more than 600 Fertitta outlets, and a host of amusement, entertainment, and aquarium assets, according to the announcement.
Caesars CEO Tom Reeg, CFO Bret Yunker, and COO Anthony Carano are all expected to remain in their roles and continue to manage Caesars’ operations inside the combined company, Caesars said Thursday. The Carano casino-mogul family, which owns roughly 5% of Caesars, will roll a portion of its equity interest into Fertitta.
Houston real estate leader Tilman Fertitta has long pursued a merger between Caesars and his own Fertitta Entertainment, Bloomberg reported. If the deal goes through, it would combine Caesars network of casino properties with Fertitta’s Landry’s restaurants and Golden Nugget properties.
Jake Conley is a breaking news reporter covering US equities for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X at @byjakeconley or email him at jake.conley@yahooinc.com.
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