Hard Rock International has received regulatory approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board to complete its $1.08bn acquisition of The Mirage Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.
The firm had requested a special meeting of the gaming commission on Friday as it anticipates closing the deal officially this week. In the meeting, Hard Rock reiterated that it would not immediately close the venue and that any move to do so would not take place until 2024.
After receiving a unanimous recommendation for approval ahead of the meeting, the news comes as no surprise but nevertheless marks a significant moment for Hard Rock as it aims to have a presence on the Las Vegas strip.
This followed a meeting that took place on Dec 7, in which the operator moved quickly to snub reports which claim it would imminently shut down The Mirage post-closure, noting that it would, for now, keep operating it as usual.
Future plans detail that Hard Rock aspires to ‘transform’ The Mirage into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, with the work expected to commence in 2024.
Renovation plans will be disclosed in late 2023 as Hard Rock continues to develop its strategy for the $1.08bn acquisition.
Hard Rock first agreed to purchase The Mirage from MGM Resorts International for $1.075bn in December 2021, with the deal ensuring that all 3,500 staff members incorporate into the business.
Upon receiving regulatory approval, James Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International stated: “Today, we’d like to express our gratitude to the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission for approving the gaming license for us to operate The Mirage Hotel & Casino.
“We are eager to finalize the purchase of The Mirage and look forward to welcoming the 3,500 team members to the Hard Rock family soon.”
