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BRUSSELS, June 4 (AFP)

The European Commission decided Friday to defer a portion of the file review, Accor and Colony Gate to the French authorities, and allow the rest of the operation.

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The French group Accor Casinos and barrier, and the investment fund Colony Capital, had announced in January the signing of a memorandum of understanding to create the leading European casinos. Brussels has returned to Paris the examining the impact of the case “on the casino market in the Côte d’Azur and the Basque-Landes coast,” said the Commission in a statement. The EU executive has also “given the green light to the transaction for other markets.”

The French authorities had asked the competition on May 13 the Commission to return their portion of the record concerning the operation of casinos.

Brussels has accepted their request, noting that the market “is of local dimension – the clients of a casino comes mostly from a catchment area located less than an hour by car.

The transaction involves two types of markets in France: the acquisition of casino licenses through competitive bidding and contracting of hotels.

On the first of two, Brussels said that the group would “face strong competitors such Partouche , Moliflor and Edge and / or local and international players. ”

“The impact of the transaction in the hotel sector is minimal since it covers only 12 hotels,” he further explained the Commission.

The new entity will be owned 51% by the family Desseigne Barrier, 34% to 15% by Accor and Colony Capital.

The MoU provides for the combination of casinos and hotel assets of the Company of the hotel chain Lucien Barriere – 100% owned by the family Desseigne Barrier – Company Hotel and Casino de Deauville (SHCD) – 54% owned by the family Desseigne Barrier, 35% by Accor Casinos – Accor Casinos – 50% by Accor and Colony Capital 50% – and their respective subsidiaries.

LOS ANGELES, June 5 (Reuters) – The casino operator MGM Mirage has launched a hostile bid on Friday to $ 4.85 billion for rival Mandalay Resort Group to create the number one U.S. industry that possesses one third of Las Vegas casinos.

MGM valued the offer at 7.65 billion, including $ 2.8 billion as debt assumption, and announced it would pay $ 68 per share in cash represents a premium of approximately 13% compared to current Mandalay’s closing Friday night.

The transaction would combine the third and fourth U.S. casino operators, whose combined annual turnover exceeds six billion. Taking up several known establishments in Las Vegas, the Bellagio and Luxor, MGM Mirage and Caesars Entertainment surpass leader’s number two, Harrah’s Entertainment. A source close to the talks, MGM made its offer after meeting with management this week in Mandalay. Thursday, Mandalay posted quarterly earnings well above forecasts and reassured investors the ability to Las Vegas to attract tourists.

Mandalay acknowledges receipt of the offer in a statement, saying he would study it carefully.

MGM Grand bought Mirage Resorts had $ 4.4 billion in May 2000. Together, Mandalay and MGM Mirage holds ten of the thirty major casinos account the Strip in Las Vegas.

The billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, 86, who controls MGM Mirage and was one of the largest investors on the Strip for over 40 years, is currently negotiating the sale of movie studio Metro (Xetra: 725750.DE – news)-Goldwyn- Mayer to Sony. He was paid $ 1.4 billion in cash when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer paid a special dividend of eight dollars per share.

The equity in the sector of gambling have doubled or tripled since last year. Many companies have offered to pay dividences and Las Vegas has the most pronounced flavor of Americans for the foil and games.

Mandalay, fourth U.S. operator of casinos, focused on luxury and entertainment more than gambling at its recent investments. The group recently opened the largest private convention center in the world and a new hotel in Mandalay Bay.

A possible merger should be approved by the competition authorities and federal authorities. Michigan, for example, allows a company to have only one casino, but the two groups now control the games of Detroit. But in Las Vegas, the new entity could successfully prove that it would of dominance in any segment of the gaming market.

To solve the puzzle of legal casino Ribeauvillé, two lines of work were considered. Amend the law to fit the case of the City of Fiddlers, ie allow communities to conduct a joint public service delegation. Or take the administrative procedure for opening to conform to the legislation.

The first hypothesis seemed largely privileged and several departments of the Ministry of Interior worked there. But nothing seems to shake it since April.

So much so that the possibility of a resumption of the administrative procedure comes up. For Nicolas Ricat, marketing director of Accor, the group that won the tender in 2001, the record is “always on top of the pile in the Ministry. And according to him, several cases are studied: the “parliamentary scenario, but others may be more flexible.”

Towards Ribeauvillé?

Peter Adolph, president of the community of municipalities of the country Ribeauvillé explains that “the situation is a bit stuck on the political front. Much was expected of the Law on local freedoms. It has been delayed. ” Elected representatives suggested that a “partial recovery of the proceedings” could again be considered, although it has never really been rejected. He said he would not make a new tender (repeat all the procedure) but perhaps reassign some of the skills to inter Ribeauvillé that the town can submit the file itself. This scenario would take “several months”. Still behind. The casino was opened in January 2004.

They are only four to seek the award of future casino Toulouse. On completion of the tender for the operation of this new site, the records of groups Tranchant , Partouche and Barrière-Accor were selected. These three great names in the industry are not a surprise. However, the association between the French company and Loto Quebec Tahoe was less expected, revealed this morning The Tribune.

The daily believes that this is a strong competition for the top three contenders, as “partners” can avail themselves of references Cape d’Agde, Collioure and Megeve in particular. The hearing of candidates should take place during the summer, the final decision is expected in December. The amount of market revenue is estimated at 50 million euros.

The Action Group Partouche advance of 0.37%, to 16.31 euros, after a decline of 2.67% Friday.

Casino d’Enghien, firmly anchored in the first place French gaming establishments since the arrival of its slot machines in April 2002, continued his impressive ascent. Today, when enormous work is underway at the casino, begins a new public inquiry for the arrival of 70 new slot machines that will allow the jewel of the Barrier Group to consolidate its position as European leader. Soon 350 slot machines As. In two years, is the third time that the casino d’Enghien seeking authorization from the Ministry of Interior. This time they get 70 new slots. As of this morning, residents of Enghien may give their opinion on the project during a public inquiry. After opening his room with 130 slot machines two years ago, then getting a “sweetener” of an additional 150 last July, the director of the Casino of Enghien, Bruno Cagnon, wants to go after his goals. “We are consistent with our initial application was for 350 machines. A number justified by the level of ongoing investment. It reached 100 million euros, double the initial projections, “he says. If green light, new facilities could land at Enghien in the fall. If so, Bruno Cagnon not ruled out in future, to attempt to further increase its machinery … Ties fall, attendance exploded. In May, the attendance at the institution has exceeded the 900 players per day. A level not explained by at least three reasons: the end of the tie binding, which uninhibited many players, the admission price has declined and a major communications campaign, particularly with clients in Paris . Result: candidates for the jackpot often have the heels in the hope that a machine becomes available. “Some customers complain about a wait of up to half an hour on weekends, where the figures are the highest,” the director concedes. Still hires. In employment, it is also in great shape at Enghien. The casino never ceases to employ, now reaching nearly 800 employees, 550 cons there are still two years. Direction matches its new development project recruitment of thirty new employees who will be assigned to slot machines, security and catering.

The public inquiry regarding the possible installation of 70 new slot machines takes place in Hall of Enghien, from this morning, opening hours, until Friday, June 18 inclusive. The examiner will be present on site June 19 to 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ..

The group Partouche reports earnings for the first half of fiscal 2003-2004. The turnover of 226.2 million euros rose 7% over the second quarter of last year.

This growth reflects both increased by 9.7% of gross slot machine that goes to 15.7 million euros, for the good performance of the casino in St-Amand-les-Eaux (+ 31%) and contribution of casino Meyrin (6.6 million).

Alongside its results, the group Partouche recalled that he started in February Casino La-Trinité-sur-Mer and reopened in Port-Bacar in May. He added that he had received permission to open casinos in Nice and Le Havre.

Otherwise, the end of May 2004, the group proceeded with the sale of two non-strategic hotels, Le Meridien Part-Dieu in Lyon and the Hotel du Golf Tower Salvagny.

Meanwhile, Partouche has rejected the offer of 18 euros per share offered by American investment fund Permira and Cinven.

Following the merger between Accor and the Casino Barrière Group , Group Partouche , for fear of being relegated to the second-largest casino operator in France, has initiated discussions with its rival Didier Boutin on the possible resumption of five of its casinos. This transaction valued at 200 million euros requires use of external financing, in fact, the group is already heavily indebted.

Family Partouche has begun negotiations with Cinven and Permira. These discussions focus on a possible entry into the capital, or even a takeover, they have so far failed on the issue of price. Hubert Benhamou, Chairman Executive Board, confided to the Tribune, but he remained “confident about the outcome of ongoing discussions”

Groupe Partouche has refused an offer from Permira and Cinven to 18 euros per share as inadequate. A refusal to place the group in a difficult financial situation, then he must soon redeem the group’s five casinos Didot-Bottin.

Groupe Partouche deadlocked? The casino group denied yesterday an offering of investment funds Permira and Cinven, is in exclusive talks since last March to enter his capital, describing it as “inadequate”. Permira and Cinven offered 18 euros per share Groupe Partouche against a course of 16.10 euros at the close last night.

The talks failed casts serious doubt on the group’s financial situation, heavily in debt (the debt was, at the end of last year, about 100% of equity), and therefore on the future development of company, starting with the purchase of 5 casinos group Didot-Bottin.

At Groupe Partouche , the game is quiet Hubert Benhamou, the chairman of the board, said last night in La Tribune to be “confident about the outcome of ongoing discussions.” But the newspaper, for its part unlikely an increase in the supply of funds Permira and Cinven.

Meanwhile, Groupe Partouche sold in late May, two non-strategic hotels, Le Meridien Part-Dieu in Lyon and the Hotel du Golf Tower Salvagny, clearing the way a gain of 15 million euros. An operation that gives him a little financial flexibility, but will be insufficient to finance the development of the group.

In the first half, Group Partouche achieved a turnover of 226.2 million euros, up 7%. Performance largely due to the proven success of slot machines (income rose 10% to 351.1 million euros) and the contribution of the new casino in Meyrin, Switzerland. Two new casino openings have occurred in the second quarter (La Trinité-sur-Mer and Port-Barcarès). Others are planned in the coming months after the approvals obtained in Nice and Le Havre. But these developments will require financial resources logically.

The title ultimately resists quite well to the announcement of the failure of negotiations with Permira and Cinven, down from 0.62% limited to 16 euros. The discussions did not seem permanently closed. We will retain the title yet.

Her husband left her no one had left only debts. Chance led him to the casino of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. She believed that through the game it could resurface. It will only take very little time with it completely loses foot.

The young woman of 32 who appeared yesterday before the Criminal Court of Saint-Denis was until recently an assistant accountant. Daily customers who trusted him, gave her valuable documents. Check forms in particular. While financially it is the abyss, she indulges in a scam that she believes will give it freely. She decides to imitate the signature of one of his client that she knows very well and cashing the checks into his own account. Like that it will divert more than 9000 euros. The court decided to postpone his trial. In return, it will compensate the plaintiff. The young woman must also take the steps necessary to make casino ban.

After a year of work, and an investment of 120 million euros (60 million for the hotel, and 60 also for the casino), funded by the company in the Louvre (also owner of the Martinez in Cannes) and the casino operator Partouche The Mediterranean Palace opened its new casino Monday night. The facility, equipped for the time of seventeen traditional table games, welcomed its first audience in a given exceptional evening for the 30th anniversary of the group Partouche with the key to a private concert by Barbara Hendricks. Slots (a request for 237 machines has been made) are also expected, but not before one year.

To animate the evenings the casino, the Palais de la Mediterranee has unveiled a program of festivities which will begin this summer. Will be welcomed indeed a variety of artists: Umberto Tozzi (12 August), the chorus of the Red Army (Sept. 8), Sacha Distel (15 October) Titoff (12 November), Noëlle Perna (19-20 November) Serge Lama (22-23 June 2005) ….

Hotels and Casinos de Deauville, the subsidiary held by the Group Barrier in which Accor holds a stake, has presented its turnover for the second quarter 2003/2004. The company, which owns the casino of Deauville, Enghien, Menton and La Rochelle, but also the Fouquet’s in Paris and Montreal and several luxury hotels, generated 47.94 million euros in the second quarter of fiscal , up 8.7% yoy. The growth is accelerating and therefore allows the biannual event to 95 out of ME, embodying an increase of 6.3%.