Caesars Entertainment Corporation announced Nov. 16 it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Centaur Holdings LLC for $1.7 billion in cash, including $1.625 billion at closing and $75 million in deferred consideration.
As a result of the transaction, Caesars will add Hoosier Park Racing and Casino in Anderson, Ind., and the Indiana Grand Racing and Casino in Shelbyville, Ind. to its Total Rewards network. Hoosier Park offers Standardbred racing while Indiana Grand offers Thoroughbred racing.
"The addition of Centaur is the first example of our post-emergence, inorganic growth strategy," said Mark Frissora, president and CEO of Caesars Entertainment. "The acquisition of Centaur represents an excellent opportunity to enter into a growing region. We anticipate that the deployment of Total Rewards will bring substantial benefits to current Centaur customers and the implementation of our centralized supply chain and efficient operating model will drive synergies."
According to a Caesars press release, Centaur welcomes more than 6.5 million guests each year across its properties and serves more than 1.1 million members as part of its loyalty program. Caesars Entertainment considers central Indiana an attractive region for investment based on the combination of under-penetration and favorable economic fundamentals. Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand, which serve the Indianapolis area, will add to the Caesars network, which includes Horseshoe Hammond and Horseshoe Southern Indiana. Horseshoe Hammond serves the Chicagoland area and Horseshoe Southern Indiana serves the southern Indiana and Louisville area.
"We are impressed with Centaur's operations and culture, and the strong presence it has built in its host communities. Together, we will build on our respective value creation and execution achievements for the benefit of customers, employees, and local partners," Frissora said. "We look forward to welcoming Centaur's properties, guests, and employees to the Caesars Entertainment family."
Offering gaming, racing, dining, and entertainment, both Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand feature more than 2,000 of the latest slots and electronic table games, multiple dining outlets, and both live and simulcast horse racing.
"We believe the acquisition of Centaur is the best use of capital to support our growth plans and the long-term value of Caesars Entertainment. Our network expansion plan is off to a great start with this strategic transaction and we continue to have a strong financial position with solid cash flows to pursue other expansion opportunities with attractive returns," concluded Frissora.
The transaction is subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2018. In its release, Caesars said it anticipates introducing table games at both racinos, pending regulatory approval.
