BILOXI, Miss.
In a move to geographically expand its gaming operations, Twin River Worldwide Holdings, parent company of Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., announced its intent to acquire the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. The purchase price is $250,000,000, subject to adjustments.
According to John E. Taylor, Jr., chairman of Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc, the company has been seeking to diversify its revenue base to better withstand industry and marketplace challenges. "Growing the business both organically and through acquisition solidifies our presence in Rhode Island and strengthens the company at an important time in our history as we brace for the eventual impact of Massachusetts casinos and racinos."
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is owned and operated by Premier Entertainment Biloxi LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leucadia National Corporation. The property features a casino with 1,342 slot machines, 51 tables and 4 poker tables. The 12-story AAA-rated four diamond hotel has 325 rooms and suites with a spa, fitness center, pool and private cabanas, and offers 20,000 square feet of event space and five meeting rooms.
In addition, the Hard Rock is completing a new 154-room hotel tower which is expected to be complete in February of 2014. The property offers five restaurants, including Ruth's Chris Steak House and the Hard Rock Cafe. It is located on the waterfront at 777 Beach Boulevard.
The estimated completion date for the acquisition is June of 2014, subject to regulatory approvals. The closing is also subject to approvals by Hard Rock International. Twin River has secured committed financing for the transaction.
