Entertainment
The Star Entertainment Group, Australia’s embattled casino operator, announced that it has struck a definitive debt financing deal with Bally’s Corporation. In addition to that, the former company confirmed the completion of its sale of The Star Sydney Event Centre.
The Deal with Bally’s Progresses
In line with its recent announcement, The Star entered into a binding term sheet with Bally’s Corporation. The agreement will see Bally’s provide the Australian company with a total of AUD 300 ($182 million) to refinance its debt.
The Star Entertainment Group Limited has entered into a binding term sheet with Bally’s Corporation with respect to a multi-tranche convertible note and subordinated debt instrument with an aggregate principal value of $300 million.
The Star statement
The Star added that, under these terms, it acknowledged that its largest shareholder, the Mathieson family-owned Investment Holdings, may subscribe for up to AUD 100 million of the investment. To that end, The Star entered into a commitment letter with Investment Holdings in relation to this proposal.
As a result, the investment from Bally’s will reduce to AUD 200 million, although the aggregate principal value of the transaction will remain unchanged.
The Star added that Investment Holdings’ subscription is on the same terms as the binding term sheet with Bally’s.
The deal with Bally’s progressed shortly after The Star’s negotiations with Salter Brothers fell through.
The Star Sells Sydney Event Center
The Star also confirmed that its The Star Entertainment Sydney Properties subsidiary has wrapped up the sale of The Sydney Event Centre to Foundation Theatres. In addition to the center, the company also divested additional spaces within The Star Sydney complex as part of the AUD 60 million deal.
The Star clarified that it has obtained all regulatory approvals needed for the transaction. It added that the AUD 60 million exclusivity fee paid by Foundation Theatres into escrow has now been released to the casino and hospitality company.
As part of its consent to the transaction, the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) proposed certain conditions, including that the proceeds from the transaction must be held in escrow. Under this proposal, amounts may be released with the NICC’s consent, with the full amount to be released the day after The Star receives shareholder approval for Bally’s AUD 300 million investment.
Per the terms, if The Star fails to secure shareholder approval, it may request the release of the amounts in escrow depending on certain financial visibility conditions.
The Star Has Been in Trouble for a Few Years
Star Entertainment’s financial trouble began with investigations that uncovered instances of non-compliance and put the company’s suitability to hold a license into question. This led to a turbulent period for the company, causing it to lose shareholder trust and value.
To make matters worse, an announcement in December highlighted a drastic decline in available cash, spelling some serious trouble for the operator. Since then, the company has been exploring a variety of ways to generate liquidity.
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Angel Hristov