Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiary, Caesars Acquisition Company, have modified the terms of their merger contract. This agreement, intended to address the substantial $18 billion bankruptcy of Caesars Entertainment Operating Company (CEOC), the primary operating arm of Caesars Entertainment, was first revealed in December 2014.
In January 2015, CEOC sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. By June, a U.S. bankruptcy judge allowed them to begin soliciting creditor approval for their plan to restructure debt and ultimately emerge from bankruptcy.
The strategy involved dividing CEOC into two entities: a new operating company and a real estate investment trust. This maneuver was designed to significantly reduce debt by $10 billion. This proposal was formally presented in October 2015.
The merger of Caesars Entertainment and Caesars Acquisition Company was anticipated to produce funds that would be allocated to repay CEOC’s creditors.
Nevertheless, according to regulatory documents mentioned by Reuters, the amended conditions now indicate that Caesars Acquisition Company stockholders will possess a diminished share of 27% in the combined entity, down from the originally suggested 38%.
In an official declaration, Caesars Entertainment conveyed, “This amended consolidation contract marks a pivotal advancement in CEOC’s financial reorganization. The triumph of the restructuring hinges on factors such as the finalization of the merger.”
Both Caesars Entertainment and CEOC exhibit significant confidence in the recent strides made during discussions with their primary lender groups. They expressed appreciation for the extensive backing the rehabilitation strategy has garnered thus far.
Nevertheless, the path is not without its obstacles. Reuters has indicated that the revitalization scheme might encounter resistance from lower-tier creditors. These creditors have hinted at their intention to pursue legal action against Caesars Entertainment, alongside its private equity sponsors, Apollo Global Management and TPG Capital, for a substantial $12 billion.
Further intensifying the situation, a provisional legal order that prohibits lawsuits targeting Caesars Entertainment is due to lapse in August. The lower-ranking bondholders have asserted in court that if the legal judgments are not in their favor, it could undermine Caesars Entertainment’s capacity to financially sustain the reorganization blueprint. This, they contend, could result in both Caesars Entertainment and CEOC confronting insolvency.
The ultimate verdict regarding CEOC’s financial rehabilitation strategy is slated for a ratification hearing on January 17, 2017.
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