Caesars Back in Takeover Spotlight, Fertitta Said to Be Lurking

• Tilman Fertitta rumored to be readying $7 billion takeover bid of Caesars
• The Golden Nugget owner is reportedly mulling an offer of $34 a share for the casino giant
• Caesars stock gave back Wednesday gains

Shares of Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR) declined Thursday, giving back a late Wednesday surge stoked by rumors Tilman Fertitta is readying a $7 billion takeover bid of the casino giant.

That would value the Harrah’s operator at $34 a share, according to various media reports. As of yet, neither Fertitta, who currently serves as US ambassador to Italy and San Marino, nor Caesars have commented on the speculation.

Last month, rumors surfaced that Caesars was evaluating multiple takeover overtures, including one from Fertitta as a well as a management-led buyout. Other potential suitors haven’t been identified. Nevada-based Caesars is the largest domestic casino operator as measured by number of properties.

Fertitta Could Be Getting Caesars on the Cheap

History indicates Caesars is a legitimate takeover target because the company has changed hands four times since 1999. The most recent of which was the $17.3 billion 2020 takeover by Eldorado Resorts that resulted in the Caesars of today. Eldorado management, including CEO Tom Reeg, runs the casino operator.

Interestingly, Fertitta’s financial disclosures as part of the confirmation process for his ambassadorship indicated he owns a modest stake in Caesars in his personal portfolio.

Likewise, his desire to own a Las Vegas Strip casino hotel, of which Caesars has plenty is no secret. There are multiple Golden Nugget casinos in Nevada, but they’re located in downtown Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and Laughlin.

Lots of Moving Parts to Potential Caesars. Fertitta Marriage

It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Fertitta ultimately gains control of Caesars, but the potential marriage has plenty of moving parts, including the possibility that he’ll have to relinquish his ambassadorship. He currently doesn’t run his namesake company on a day-to-day basis. His ex-wife and other advisors do that.

Additionally, what becomes of his investment in Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) is a situation to monitor. He owns about 12% of Wynn shares, valued at more than $1 billion. That could be an efficient avenue for financing a portion of the Caesars deal, if it comes to fruition. It also remains to be seen if state regulators up scrutiny of the Wynn investment if the billionaire businessman acquires Caesars.

Another looming regulatory issue could be geographic overlap in Caesars and Golden Nugget portfolios. The operators are competitors in multiple markets across the US, including Atlantic City, NJ, Louisiana, Lake Tahoe and Laughlin, among others.