Category: Hotel Motel Lodging Hospitality News (Page 7 of 8)

Hyatt and San Francisco International Airport Proudly Announce Opening of Grand Hyatt at SFO

October 7, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

SFO runway view from Grand Suite Parlor at newly open Grand Hyatt at SFO (Photo: Business Wire)

CHICAGO-(BUSINESS WIRE)-SFO’s only on-airport hotel brings elevated experiences to ‘The City by the Bay’

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) and San Francisco International Airport(SFO) today announced the opening of Grand Hyatt at SFO, which is now accepting guests. As the only on-airport hotel at San Francisco International Airport, the $237 million luxury hotel sits on 4.2-acres and features 351 rooms including 22 suites, 14,435 square feet of well-appointed meeting and event space, two distinct culinary concepts, and an impressive art collection that was curated exclusively for the hotel by the San Francisco Arts Commission.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191007005684/en/

“We are thrilled to open the doors to Grand Hyatt at SFO and welcome our international guests, SFO visitors and local friends,” said Henning Nopper, general manager, Grand Hyatt at SFO. “The completion of this hotel, an iconic addition to our Grand Hyatt brand, is a culmination of many years of hard work and planning by Hyatt, San Francisco International Airport, the great City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco Arts Commission, and many more supporters.”

Directly connected to all airport terminals with its own dedicated, newly constructed AirTrain station, Grand Hyatt at SFO serves as a captivating destination within a destination and elevated respite for corporate business travelers as well as leisure guests to bypass the airport bustle. The highly anticipated debut also marks a key milestone in Hyatt’s west coast expansion plan to add 40 new hotels in California, Oregon and Washington by the end of 2021.

“With the opening of Grand Hyatt at SFO, we offer travelers a new benchmark in airport hospitality,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. “The new hotel reflects our commitment to deliver a world-class experience for our guests, with seamless access via our AirTrain system, sustainable building design, thoughtful service and amenities, and inspiring works of public art. My thanks go out to Hyatt, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and our entire design-build team for making this day a reality.”

CONCEPT & DESIGN

The bold, vibrant design and architecture of Grand Hyatt at SFO is the vision of San Francisco-based architect Hornberger + Worstell and associate ED21, along with two internationally acclaimed interior design firms, BraytonHughes Design Studios and RoseBernard Studio. Guests step out of the hotel’s new AirTrain station, which features a dramatic kaleidoscopic stained-glass art installation, and after crossing an enclosed bridge, they enter the hotel’s stunning, light-filled lobby where they are greeted by expansive windows and views of SFO and hills beyond.

Click the link for the full story! https://finance.yahoo.com/news/hyatt-san-francisco-international-airport-162600569.html

New W Muscat Hotel Opens In Oman

August 26, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Lavish Playground Set to Shake up the Coastal Haven with Bold Design, Eclectic Programming and Oman’s First Siddharta Lounge By Buddha-Bar

MUSCAT, Oman, Aug. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Make a splash! W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International Inc., today announced the opening of W Muscat, the brand’s newest beachfront W Escape and the second to open in the Middle East this year. Set against the stunning backdrop of the rugged Al Hajar Mountains, which form a stark contrast to the historic capital city’s lively waterfront, W Muscat sits at the intersection of the bustling Shatti Al Qurum area. The new hotel opens in an ideal locale to bring the W brand’s signature take on playful luxury to the serene waterfront of Oman.

Fabulous Room at W Muscat — Fabulous Room at the W Muscat

“Muscat is a fascinating and exciting city. Its cultural DNA honors millennia of tradition while looking to what’s new and next – an ideal match for the W brand,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “The arrival of W in Muscat marks a new chapter for both the brand and this buzzing metropolis. The hotel reinterprets Omani design and cultural traditions to create a modern, energetic and stylish Escape unlike anything the sultanate has seen before.”

Dive In
The architectural narrative of W Muscat immerses guests in the concept of exploration and the illustrious storytelling tradition of the nomadic Bedouin traveler. Its striking design is inspired by the diverse and vibrant natural locale – from the rugged mountain range to the vast Omani desert, the sparkling bay to the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. Colorful hints of Muscat’s vibrant culture are interspersed throughout the spaces to evoke the mystery and adventure of the city’s rich heritage and storied past. W Muscat is a bold remix of traditional charm, natural beauty and the disruptive W DNA.

Welcoming guests upon arrival is a striking, nine-ton frankincense tree sculpture designed by renowned artist Pongsatat Uaiklang that pays tribute to Omani culture. Standing at an impressive 10 meters tall, the piece is made of solid stainless steel, welded from 28 winding pieces. In traditional Omani culture, frankincense was used to bless and welcome weary travelers after their long journeys. In that same tradition, guests are then ushered into the inviting Living Room (W’s signature take on the lobby) where they can relax and unwind in an Arabic Majlis, beneath an oversized installation of the Omani Kummas, chic headgears that are unmistakable marks of the Omani attire. Whether looking for a re-energizing iced tea or a cocktail, The Living Room is the perfect venue to see and be seen.

Hit Escape
All of the 279 guestrooms and suites at W Muscat provide uninterrupted views of the glistening blue water, with their design drawing inspiration from the ocean as well as the asymmetrical lines of the nearby mountains, caves and desert. These are contrasted with art deco detailing, reminiscent of traditional Omani charm. Asymmetrical corridors across the floors depict an artistic theme of ‘every girl has a story’ through locally commissioned holographic artworks depicting a female perspective of power, love, peace and beauty. Designed for an extra spacious and edgy stay is the EWOW suite (the brand’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite) which features subtle Arabic characteristics with a distinctive W edge. The corner Majlis seating showcases a Zanzibar-inspired print, a nod to the Omani Kumma or headgear, set against an inviting coffee table in celebration of Arabic coffee or Qahwa. The ceiling features tilted white paneling, evoking the intimacy of relaxing inside a tent. A saddle-like leather chair, bold mustard yellow stool, and faux fur wall are inspired by horse or camelback travel. Stacked luggage trunks comprise the MIXBAR (the W spin on the minibar) while a trunk closet lined with exotic silk links back to the narrative of the nomad.

New Macau Leader Backed by Beijing

August 25, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

HONG KONG, Aug 25 (Reuters) – The Chinese territory of Macau elected former legislature head Ho Iat Seng as its leader on Sunday – the sole approved candidate.

Ho, who has deep ties to China, is expected to cement Beijing’s control over the special administrative region and distance it from protests in neighbouring Hong Kong.

He secured 392 votes from a 400-member pro-Beijing committee to lead the world’s largest gambling hub for at least the next five years, public broadcaster TDM reported.

The 62-year-old’s highly scripted appointment comes as the former Portuguese colony tries to position itself as a beacon of stability and model for the Chinese government’s “one country, two systems” formula through which Beijing administers Macau and Hong Kong.

Although anti-government protests have roiled the former British colony of Hong Kong for nearly three months, Macau has seen little dissent to Beijing’s rule.

Ho said local youth could resist the influence of Hong Kong’s protesters and support measures to boost patriotism in Macau.

(Reporting by Farah Master; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Hyatt Regency Opens Shenzhen Yantian

August 11, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Newly opened hotel in the heart of Yantian District of Shenzhen brings Hyatt Regency brand’s signature hospitality and connecting guests to the booming city

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) today announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Yantian in the east Guangdong Province, China. The 298-room hotel aims to bring the Hyatt Regency brand’s signature intuitive service and energizing experiences to business and leisure guests alike.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190808005248/en/

As part of a newly concepted Recreational Business District, Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Yantian is located in the heart of Yantian District, neighboring Dameisha Beach and Overseas Chinese Town East along a 12 mile (19.5 kilometer) golden coast. Within an hour’s drive to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, the hotel is also half an hour to Shenzhen Railway Station and only a five minute drive to the Shatoujiao port of entry to Hong Kong.

“We sincerely appreciate the support from our owner Shenzhen Vanke Binhai Real Estate Ltd. and are excited to see the Hyatt Regency brand footprint grow in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA),” said Stephen Ho, president, Greater China, global operations at Hyatt. “We look forward to welcoming our guests to Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Yantian with confidence for a world-class hospitality experience.”

Guestrooms

Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Yantian was designed by the renowned HEITZ PARSONS SADEK and features 298 contemporary guest rooms with varied dimensions ranging from 462 square feet to more than 2,300 square feet (43 square meters to 215 square meters). There are 20 suites, four Regency Executive Suites and one Presidential Suite, all of which are spacious and located on the 41st to the 50th floor. Select rooms offer gorgeous ocean views and all rooms feature high-quality amenities and panoramic French windows. Guests staying in Club Access Rooms and Suites can enjoy the exclusive Regency Club benefits on the 49th floor.

Dining and Drinking

The hotel offers several fine dining restaurants that cater to varying tastes and group sizes, including:

XIANGYUE, a Chinese Restaurant on the 6th floor providing authentic Cantonese flavors as well as cuisines of neighboring areas. A comfortable experience that feels like dining in a country village, the restaurant’s layout includes a “Dai Pai Don” style open kitchen offering guests a high-touch taste of Cantonese life.

Market Café is a stylish all-day dining restaurant where guests can enjoy a collection of global delicacies. Whether buffet breakfast and dinner, or all-day a la carte service, Market Café will satisfy any taste with a flavorful option. The Lounge is the ideal place to gather friends or family and enjoy themed afternoon tea and various hand-crafted cocktails. Guests can also visit the Sky Lobby, ideal for connecting with colleagues over a vibrant scenery. For a stress-free meal, the hotel offers 24-hour in-room dining services with a range of selections available anytime.

Meetings and Events

To build a dynamic experience for groups that feels connected, motivated and inspired, the hotel events team will be at hand to support customers during conferences, special events and weddings. The hotel offers nearly 25,000 square feet (2,321 square meters) of meeting and event space in total, including a 12,916 square foot (1,200-square meter) pillar-free grand ballroom and five salons equipped with high-tech audio and video systems. Additionally, the ballroom foyer provides more than 6,500 square feet (612 square meters) of flexible pre-functional space to perfectly showcase the creativity of any event.

The scenic surroundings at Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Yantian create the perfect backdrop for weddings of all sizes. A bridal suite with separate fitting room and living room is situated right beside the grand ballroom to deliver a brilliant wedding experience.

Wellbeing

Guests can relax in the hotel’s refreshing outdoor pool or work out anytime at the hotel’s fully equipped fitness center featuring state-of-the-art equipment.

“Inspired by the hotel’s surroundings, the hotel was built with the concept of bringing the forest into the city, offering guests a place to take a deep breath of fresh air and bask in the beautiful scenery,” said Mary Liu, general manager of Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Yantian. “As a bridge between GBA and the Pearl River Delta area, Shenzhen is at the core of this booming region. We are delighted to deliver Hyatt’s well-known expertise in food and beverage and full range of services and amenities for a productive stay.

Hampton Celebrates Rapid Global Expansion to 2,500 Hotels

August 11, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Brand remains category leader after 35 years as it enters new markets and achieves largest pipeline in brand history

MCLEAN, Va. – This month, Hampton by Hilton continues to lead the upper-midscale category worldwide as the brand celebrates its 2,500^th open hotel with Hampton by Hilton Lima San Isidro in Peru. The milestone opening demonstrates Hampton’s successful global growth strategy over the past 35 years – high-quality and thoughtfully designed accommodations, award-winning customer service culture and value-added amenities – all backed by the industry-leading 100 percent Hampton Guarantee^™. Hilton’s largest brand now offers nearly 260,000 rooms worldwide across 27 countries and territories.

And, with more than 700 properties and more than 93,000 rooms in its pipeline – the largest ever in brand history and within the Hilton enterprise – Hampton is helping propel Hilton’s growth during its dynamic 100^th anniversary year.

“Hampton by Hilton’s enduring global success as a guest favorite is a testament to the brand’s pioneering nature, high guest service standards and robust expansion efforts,” said Shruti Gandhi Buckley, global head, Hampton by Hilton. “The opening of Hampton’s 2,500^th property demonstrates the brand’s winning growth strategy, based on three core pillars: commitment to delivering unparalleled customer service, category leading product and amenity innovation and Hilton’s ongoing investment in the brand.”

A key to Hampton by Hilton’s global success is the brand’s regionalization of hotel prototypes and room designs to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Though each property is unique based on local market-based variations, each stay comes with consistent friendly and thoughtful service, complimentary hot breakfast, free WiFi and a passionate commitment to guest satisfaction backed by the 100 percent Hampton Guarantee, making the brand a favorite for travelers worldwide.

Hampton by Hilton celebrates its 2,500th open property with the brand’s first hotel in Peru, Hampton by Hilton Lima San Isidro

World of Hyatt Adds Alila Hotels And Resorts

June 26, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alilas Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Addition of Alila Hotels provides World of Hyatt loyalty members even more places to earn and redeem points and connect to exclusive experiences across distinct hotels and resorts

CHICAGO (June 25, 2019) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) today announced the introduction of Alila Hotels into the World of H yatt loyalty program beginning June 25, 2019. This program expansion allows World of Hyatt members to enjoy more unique stay options, the ability to earn and redeem points and enjoy in-hotel benefits at 16 participating Alila properties located throughout Asia, Southwest Asia and the U.S. This program addition quickly follows Hyatt’s November 2018 acquisition of Two Roads Hospitality and its recent integration of the Thompson Hotels and Joie de Vivre brands, with the Destination Hotels brand set to follow later this year.

16 Alila hotels are joining World of Hyatt beginning June 25, 2019 through July 16, 2019, including:

Ventana Big Sur – an Alila Resort – Big Sur, California (June 25)
Alila Solo – Solo (Surakarta), Central Java, Indonesia (June 25)
Alila Seminyak – Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
Studios at Alila Seminyak – Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
Alila Ubud – Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
Alila Villas Uluwatu – Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
Alila Villas Koh Russey – Koh Russey, Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia (June 26)
Alila Bangsar – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (June 26)
Alila Manggis – Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia (June 26)
Alila SCBD – Jakarta, Java, Indonesia (June 26)
Alila Diwa Goa – Salcette, Goa, India (July 15)
The Diwa Club by Alila – Salcette, Goa, India (July 15)
Alila Jabal Akhdar – Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman (July 15)
Alila Fort Bishangarh – Jaipur, Rajasthan, India (July 16)
Alila Anji – Anji, Zhejiang, China (July 16)
Alila Wuzhen – Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (July 16)

“Following the additions of the Thompson Hotels and Joie de Vivre brands into World of Hyatt, we are thrilled to introduce Alila as the next former Two Roads brand to join the loyalty program,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, World of Hyatt. “Alila is an award-winning brand known for its combination of innovative design and eco-luxury in unique locations, set apart by an unprecedented level of private space, crafted artisanship, personalized hospitality, and bespoke journeys. We are looking forward to offering our World of Hyatt members the opportunity to discover even more unique destinations and exclusive experiences at these remarkable properties while enjoying the rewards they’ve come to expect from World of Hyatt.”

Following the completion of the Alila Hotels integration on July 16, 2019, more than 40 hotels across the Thompson Hotels, Joie de Vivre and Alila brands will have joined World of Hyatt in many new destinations including Zihuatanejo, Mexico, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, and more.

Exclusive Alila FIND Experiences

Additionally, as part of the Alila brand integration, World of Hyatt members will be able to participate in uniquely crafted, authentic experiences at participating Alila hotels and resorts through the FIND experience platform, all of which will align with Hyatt’s three landmarks of wellbeing: Feel, Fuel and Function. Available for members to redeem using points, these specially curated experiences will be focused on enhancing mind and body, through offerings like the Balinese Beauty Ritual at Alila Seminyak, Seminyak, Indonesia; Journey to Gastronomy at Alila Villas Uluwatu, Uluwatu, Indonesia; Payangan “Private Bali” Trekking to explore rice terraces and riverside views at Alila Ubud, Gianyar, Indonesia; and Snorkeling the Blue Lagoon in Bali at Alila Manggis, Karangasem, Indonesia.

Exclusive World of Hyatt Member Offer

To celebrate, members can earn 2,000 Bonus Points for their first qualifying stay exploring each of the new brands for a total of up to 8,000 Bonus Points, plus a free night when they experience all four brands this year. Eligible stays at participating hotels begin once each property participates in World of Hyatt and are valid through December 31, 2019. No registration is required. Full terms for these offers are below. These offers are combinable with other program offers, and are part of World of Hyatt’s continued commitment to increasing rewarding offerings for its global members.

To learn more visit worldofhyatt.com/ne wbrands.

Guests can join World of Hyatt for free online at worldofhyatt.com, via a Global Contact Center or at any Hyatt hotel or resort worldwide.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and /or one or more of its affiliates.

Eldorado Resorts to Buy Caesars in Reported $18 Billion Deal

June 23, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. casino operator Eldorado Resorts Inc has agreed to merge with Caesars Entertainment Corp in a cash and stock deal that values its peer at about $18 billion including debt, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

The agreement comes three months after Reuters reported that Caesars had agreed to give Eldorado access to its books under pressure from billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who earlier this year was awarded seats on Caesars’ board.

The deal, which is expected to be announced on Monday, values Caesars at close to $13 a share, according to the sources. The combined company’s ownership would be split roughly between Eldorado and Caesars shareholders, the sources said.

The sources asked not to be identified because the matter is confidential. An Eldorado spokesman said the company did not comment on rumors or speculation. Caesars did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The combination of the two companies would create a serious competitor to larger casino industry players, such as Las Vegas Sands Corp, Wynn Resorts Ltd and MGM Resorts International.

Caesars’ shares closed on Friday at $9.99. The company, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2017, operates casinos with the Harrah’s and Horseshoe brands. It had 53 properties in 14 U.S. states and five countries outside the United States at the end of December.

Eldorado has a market value of $4 billion. It also had long-term debt at the end of March of $3.1 billion. It owns and operates 26 properties in 12 U.S. states.

(Reporting by Greg Roumeliotis; Editing by Peter Cooney)

Pentagram Creates Flight Center Font for Hotel in JFK Airport

April 25, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Images by PMax Touhey

Lettering used in Eero Saarinen’s 1960s TWA Flight Center at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York provided the cues for the branding of the new hotel in the terminal building.

Graphic design firmPentagram was enlisted to create the new typeface for the TWA Hotel at JFK in Queens, New York City, which is slated to open 15 May following an extensive renovation of the old terminal.

Called Flight Center Gothic, the new typeface was based on the branding and way finding that Finnish-American architect Saarinen designed for the airport building when it opened in 1962.

Click the link for the full story! https://www.dezeen.com/2019/04/24/flight-center-gothic-twa-hotel-eero-saarinen-jfk-airport-terminal/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Dezeen&utm_content=Daily%20Dezeen+CID_2ec3bcf72daa677434e970f9087185f2&utm_source=Dezeen%20Mail&utm_term=Pentagram%20creates%20Flight%20Center%20font%20for%20hotel%20in%20Eero%20Saarinens%20JFK%20airport%20terminal

Safdie To Add Fourth Tower To Marina Bay Sands Singapore

April 11, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Safdie Architects has revealed its plans to extend its Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore by adding a fourth tower.

The new stand-alone tower will contain more hotel rooms and take cues from the existing glass buildings, which were completed by Safdie Architects on Marina Bay in 2011.

Alongside the tower, the studio will also design a new entertainment district with a state of the art 15,000-seat music arena.

“Building on a long-term partnership with Las Vegas Sands corporation, we are delighted to embark upon a design for a major new addition to the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore,” said the architecture studio in an Instagram post revealing the news.

Click the link below for the full story!

https://www.dezeen.com/2019/04/10/safdie-architects-marina-bay-sands-expansion-singapore/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Dezeen&utm_content=Daily%20Dezeen+CID_362681d98b140a7846653da8bc83495b&utm_source=Dezeen%20Mail&utm_term=Safdie%20Architects%20to%20add%20fourth%20tower%20to%20Marina%20Bay%20Sands%20resort%20in%20Singapore

Wynn Ends Acquisition Talks with Australia’s Crown Resorts

April 9, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FILE PHOTO – The logo of Australian casino giant Crown Resorts Ltd adorns the hotel and casino complex in Melbourne, Australia, June 13, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Reed/File Picture

(Reuters) – Wynn Resorts Ltd, the world’s No. 2 casino operator, said on Tuesday it scrapped preliminary talks to acquire Crown Resorts Ltd for A$10 billion ($7.1 billion), after the Australian Financial Review broke news of the negotiations.

Wynn’s backtracking illustrates how media leaks of deal talks can test the resolve of potential acquirers. Crown shares jumped as much as 22 percent on the news to A$14.37, close to the $A14.75 per share level that Crown said Wynn’s latest cash-and-stock offer valued the company.

This can make deal negotiations more difficult by emboldening acquisition targets to drive a hard bargain, analysts said. In this case, Wynn’s inexperience with pursuing big deals also likely played a factor, some analysts added.

“(Wynn) management’s experience with acquisitions is limited, so when you target synergies it’ll be nice to have more of a track record for such a large transaction,” said Roth Capital Partners analyst David Bain, calling the termination of the deal talks a positive development for Wynn.

After the Australian Financial Review revealed Wynn’s takeover approach, Crown not only confirmed the confidential talks on Tuesday, but also disclosed the price that Wynn was offering. It added that Crown’s board had not yet considered Wynn’s latest offer.

Wynn then issued two statements, first confirming the talks, and, a few hours later, stating that they had ended.

“Following the premature disclosure of preliminary discussions, Wynn Resorts has terminated all discussions with Crown Resorts concerning any transaction,” the company said in a statement.

Wynn’s shares were down 3.2 percent at $140.21 in New York at mid-afternoon.

Examples of companies confirming acquisition talks only to back out hours later are few and far between, because they reflect a lack of conviction on the part of the aspiring acquirers.

Last year, drug maker Allergan Plc confirmed it was in the early stages of making an offer for peer Shire Plc, after Reuters broke news of the deliberations, only to issue a second statement a few hours later stating it would not make an offer.

Insurer Aon Plc said last month it would not pursue a merger with rival insurance brokerage Willis Towers Watson Plc, a day after it confirmed it was in early stages of considering an all-stock offer for the Irish company following a Bloomberg News report revealing the deliberations.

HEDGE AGAINST MACAU

Wynn was founded in 2002 by Steve Wynn, who started his casino business in Las Vegas in the 1960s and created some of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Mirage, Bellagio and Treasure Island – before selling them. Beset by sexual misconduct allegations, Wynn left the company and sold his entire 11.8 percent stake in Wynn Resorts for $2.1 billion last month.

Wynn operates large resort-and-casino complexes in Las Vegas and Chinese gambling hub Macau, with another under construction in Massachusetts. The deal would have offered a hedge against Macau, where its licences are up for renewal, by giving it two lavishly revamped Australian casinos and a third being built on the prized Sydney harbour front.

Buying Crown would also fit in with Wynn’s strategy to diversify geographically to protect its growth prospects if its Macau licences are not renewed.

The company’s efforts so far have included ramping up promotion of a resort in Japan, a market seen as the next potential goldmine to Macau and a former expansion target for Crown.

“Wynn has typically grown through building their own facilities, not through acquisition,” said Bain, the Roth Capital Partners analyst.

For Crown’s 47 percent owner James Packer, who re-badged his father’s media empire as a gambling concern in 2007 only to withdraw from business engagements last year due to mental illness, the deal would have ended his career as a casino mogul with a A$4.7 billion payout.

He would have ended up as Wynn’s biggest shareholder with 9.8 percent of its shares, based on its current number of shares on issue.

“We think Wynn’s strategy was mostly defensive, but if they have a strong strategic rationale for wanting to acquire Crown, they would likely come back to the table when things settle down,” said John DeCree, Union Gaming Securities’ director of North America research.

(Reporting by Byron Kaye, Tom Westbrook and Paulina Duran in SYDNEY, Devika Syamnath and Nivedita Balu in BENGALURU, and Greg Roumeliotis in NEW YORK; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila, Shounak Dasgupta and Richard Chang)

Brand remains category leader after 35 years as it enters new markets and achieves largest pipeline in brand history

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