Item 1.
Business
.
Overview
Caesars Acquisition Company
Caesars Acquisition Company (the "Company," "CAC," "we," "our" and "us"), a Delaware corporation, directly owns
100%
of the voting membership units of Caesars Growth Partners, LLC ("CGP LLC"), a Delaware limited liability company and a joint venture between CAC and subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment Corporation ("CEC" or "Caesars Entertainment"). Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NASDAQ") under the symbol "CACQ."
CAC serves as CGP LLC's managing member and sole holder of all of its outstanding voting units. CAC's primary asset is its membership interest in CGP LLC and does not have any operations other than through its interest in CGP LLC. Certain subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment hold all of CGP LLC's outstanding non-voting units.
Asset Purchase Transactions
JCC Holding Company II, LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively known as "Harrah's New Orleans"), 3535 LV Corp. (formerly known as "The Quad" and recently rebranded as "The LINQ Hotel & Casino"), indirect subsidiaries of Parball Corporation (collectively known as "Bally's Las Vegas") and Corner Investment Company, LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively known as "The Cromwell") were direct wholly-owned subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc. ("CEOC").
On
May 5, 2014
, Caesars Growth Properties Holdings, LLC ("CGPH," an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CGP LLC), acquired through one or more subsidiaries (i) The Cromwell, The LINQ Hotel & Casino, and Bally's Las Vegas, (ii)
50%
of the ongoing management fees and any termination fees payable under the property management agreements entered between a property manager and the owners of each of these properties, and (iii) certain intellectual property that is specific to each of these properties (collectively referred to as the "First Closing" or "Acquired Properties Transaction"). On
May 5, 2014
, CGP LLC contributed the equity interests of PHWLV, LLC ("PHWLV") and a
50%
interest in the management fee revenues of PHW Manager, LLC ("PHW Manager") to CGPH.
On
May 20, 2014
, CGPH through one or more subsidiaries acquired (i) Harrah's New Orleans, (ii)
50%
of the ongoing management fees and any termination fees payable under the Louisiana property management agreement entered between a property manager and the owners of Harrah's New Orleans and (iii) certain intellectual property that is specific to Harrah's New Orleans (the "Second Closing" or "Harrah's Transaction").
In connection with the Acquired Properties Transaction and the Harrah's Transaction (collectively, the "Asset Purchase Transactions"), CGPH and Caesars Growth Properties Finance, Inc. issued
$675.0 million
aggregate principal amount of
9.375%
second-priority senior secured notes due 2022 (the "2022 Notes"). On May 8, 2014, CGPH closed on
$1.175 billion
of term loans (the "CGPH Term Loan") and a
$150.0 million
revolving credit facility pursuant to a credit agreement.
Proposed Merger of CAC with CEC
On December 21, 2014, the Company and CEC entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which, among other things, CAC will merge with and into CEC, with CEC as the surviving company (the "Proposed Merger").
On July 9, 2016, CAC and CEC agreed to amend and restate the Merger Agreement (the "Amended Merger Agreement"). In connection with the entry into the Amended Merger Agreement, on July 9, 2016, (i) CAC and CEOC, a majority owned subsidiary of CEC, agreed to amend and restate the Restructuring Support Agreement (as amended, the "CAC RSA"), dated as of June 12, 2016, among CAC, CEOC and CEC; (ii) CEC and CEOC agreed to amend the Restructuring Support, Settlement and Contribution Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2016 (as amended, the "CEC RSA" and, together with the CAC RSA, the "Caesars RSAs"), between CEC and CEOC; and (iii) CAC entered into a Voting Agreement (the "Voting Agreement") with Hamlet Holdings LLC ("Hamlet Holdings"), and solely with respect to certain provisions of the Voting Agreement, affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC and TPG Capital, LP and certain of their co-investors (collectively, the "Holders"). The Caesars RSAs were entered into with respect to the restructuring of CEOC's indebtedness (the "Restructuring") and, together with the Amended Merger Agreement, are consistent with the terms proposed under the second amended Joint Chapter 11 plan of reorganization (as amended, the "Merger Plan") of CEOC and each of the debtors (together with CEOC, the "Debtors") in the CEOC Chapter 11 Cases.
The exchange ratio, pursuant to which shares of CAC's class A common stock, par value
$0.001
per share (the "Class A Common Stock") and CAC's class B common stock, par value
$0.001
per share (the "Class B Common Stock," and together with the Class A Common Stock, the "CAC Common Stock"), will become exchangeable for shares of CEC's common stock, par value
$0.01
per share ("CEC Common Stock"), has been amended to ensure that holders of CAC Common Stock immediately
prior to the closing of the Proposed Merger (the "Merger Closing") will receive
27%
of the outstanding CEC Common Stock on a fully diluted basis (prior to conversion of the new CEC convertible notes) (and which, upon conversion at any time following the Merger Closing, will result in pro rata dilution to all holders of CEC Common Stock, including holders of CAC Common Stock immediately prior to the Merger Closing) (the "Exchange Ratio"). The Exchange Ratio may be adjusted pursuant to the Amended Merger Agreement and such adjustment will be determined on the earlier of (i) the date on which the special committee of CAC's Board of Directors (the "CAC Special Committee") and the special committee of CEC's Board of Directors (the "CEC Special Committee"), each composed solely of independent directors, agree in writing as to the Exchange Ratio, and (ii) the sixth business day following the date on which the Adjustment Period (as described below) ends.
The Adjustment Period is the
14
day period beginning on the date, as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of the Amended Merger Agreement, on which each of CAC and CEC has received written confirmation from the other party that it and its respective representatives have received certain information (which information must be provided on request as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than
30
days following the confirmation date) necessary for such party's financial advisor to render a fairness opinion. During the Adjustment Period, the CAC Special Committee, on behalf of CAC, and the CEC Special Committee, on behalf of CEC, will determine whether and to what extent it is necessary, appropriate and advisable to adjust the Exchange Ratio. The Exchange Ratio may be adjusted solely to take into account certain tax costs and tax attributes (except as described below).
If at any time during the Adjustment Period the CAC Special Committee or the CEC Special Committee determines that (i) it cannot obtain a fairness opinion from its respective financial advisor as a result of an adjustment to the Exchange Ratio based solely on the factors set forth in the Amended Merger Agreement or (ii) an adjustment to the Exchange Ratio based solely on the factors set forth in the Amended Merger Agreement would not be advisable or would otherwise be inconsistent with the directors' fiduciary duties under applicable law, either the CAC Special Committee or the CEC Special Committee may notify the other party of such determination and, following delivery of such notice, the parties will instead take into account all other relevant facts and circumstances impacting the intrinsic value of CAC and CEC at such time.
If the CAC Special Committee, on behalf of CAC, or the CEC Special Committee, on behalf of CEC, (i) are unable to agree to an adjustment to the Exchange Ratio by the end of the Adjustment Period and determine in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to terminate the Amended Merger Agreement would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties of the directors of CAC or CEC, as applicable, under applicable law or (ii) have not received, as of a date that is reasonably proximate to the date on which the Adjustment Period ends, an opinion of an independent, nationally recognized financial advisor to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, and based upon and subject to the various assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in preparing such opinion as set forth therein, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to CAC or CEC, as applicable, then the Amended Merger Agreement may be terminated within
five
business days following the end of the Adjustment Period.
The Amended Merger Agreement also contains an amended "Go-Shop" provision on terms substantially the same as the "Go-Shop" provision originally set forth in the Merger Agreement. The Amended Merger Agreement also provides that (i) certain existing litigation, under specified circumstances, (ii) certain legislative changes and (iii) any change in the financial or securities markets or in the market price or valuation of any security or financial interest, or in the business, results of operations or prospects of either of CAC or CEC, subject to certain conditions, in each case will not provide cause for either the CAC board of directors (the "CAC Board") or the CEC board of directors (the "CEC Board") to effect an adverse recommendation change.
The Amended Merger Agreement was fully negotiated by and between the CAC Special Committee and the CEC Special Committee, was recommended by each of the CAC Special Committee and the CEC Special Committee and was approved by the CAC Board and the CEC Board. Stockholders of each of CAC and CEC will be asked to vote on the adoption of the Amended Merger Agreement at special meetings of CAC's stockholders and CEC's stockholders, respectively, that will each be held on a date to be announced. Pursuant to the Amended Merger Agreement, CAC and CEC, as applicable, have agreed to file a joint proxy statement/prospectus as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of the Amended Merger Agreement.
The closing of the merger is subject to the adoption of the Amended Merger Agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of all outstanding shares of CAC Common Stock and CEC Common Stock, respectively. In addition to the closing conditions originally set forth in the Merger Agreement, each of CAC and CEC have agreed that their respective obligation to consummate the merger is subject to the fulfillment of the Merger Plan containing the Debtor Release, the Third-Party Release and the Exculpation. However, the Amended Merger Agreement eliminated from the closing conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement (i) minimum cash closing conditions for both parties and (ii) a closing condition that limited tax costs relating to the Restructuring to close the Proposed Merger.
The Amended Merger Agreement provides certain termination rights to each of CAC and CEC based on, among other things: (i) CEOC filing (including any of its debtor subsidiaries), without CAC's or CEC's prior written consent, respectively (x) a plan of reorganization, a disclosure statement or a proposed order entered by the Bankruptcy Court confirming the Merger
Plan that is materially consistent with the RSAs and the Merger Plan and otherwise acceptable to each of CAC and CEC ("Confirmation Order") that does not include the Debtor Release, the Third-Party Release or the Exculpation as to CAC, CGP LLC, their subsidiaries, and their respective representatives ("CAC Released Parties") or CEC, its subsidiaries, and their respective representatives ("CEC Released Parties"), respectively, in form and substance consistent in all material respects with such provisions as set forth in the Merger Plan or (y) any motion, pleading or other document with the Bankruptcy Court in the CEOC Chapter 11 Cases that is otherwise materially inconsistent with the CAC RSA or CEC RSA, respectively, or the Merger Plan, (ii) the Confirmation Order (x) not including the Debtor Release, the Third-Party Release or the Exculpation as to the CAC Released Parties or the CEC Released Parties, respectively, in form and substance consistent in all material respect with such provisions as set forth in the Merger Plan or (y) not being otherwise materially consistent with the Merger Plan, (iii) the 105 Injunction Order no longer being in effect or, subject to certain conditions, CEOC failing to file a motion on or before August 14, 2016, or such earlier date as may be required by local rules governing the CEOC Chapter 11 Cases for the filing of such motion, seeking to extend the 105 Injunction Order currently in effect to the period ending on the confirmation date, (iv) either of the Caesars RSAs being terminated or becoming null and void or (v) the date on which the merger becomes effective not occurring by the close of business on December 31, 2017.
Caesars Growth Partners, LLC
CAC's primary asset is its interest in CGP LLC.
CGP LLC is a casino asset and entertainment company. Subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment own all of the outstanding non-voting units of CGP LLC and are the majority economic owners of CGP LLC. Through its relationship with Caesars Entertainment, CGP LLC has the ability to access Caesars Entertainment's proven management expertise, brand equity, Total Rewards loyalty program and structural synergies.
CGP LLC's Interactive Entertainment business consists of two operating units:
The
World Series of Poker
and regulated online real money gaming. CGP LLC's Casino Properties and Developments include Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas ("Planet Hollywood"), The LINQ Hotel & Casino, Bally's Las Vegas, The Cromwell, Horseshoe Baltimore Casino ("Horseshoe Baltimore"), Harrah's New Orleans, and a
50%
interest in the management fee paid in connection with the management agreements for each of these properties.
New investment and acquisition opportunities, except for any expansion, add-on or additional investment in respect of any existing gaming property of CGP LLC or its subsidiaries, or except for any potential future investment or acquisition by Caesars Interactive Entertainment, Inc. are required to be submitted to Caesars Entertainment. A committee of the board of directors of Caesars Entertainment comprised of disinterested directors will make the determination on behalf of Caesars Entertainment to (1) pursue any potential projects itself or (2) decline the project for itself, after which CGP LLC may elect or decline to pursue the project. The Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of CGP LLC (the "CGP Operating Agreement") includes a framework with respect to the structuring of compensation related to future projects between Caesars Entertainment and CGP LLC. In the event Caesars Entertainment declines an opportunity and CGP LLC undertakes the opportunity, CGP LLC is expected to retain a
50%
interest in the management fee to be received by Caesars Entertainment, unless otherwise agreed, and CGP LLC will acquire
100%
of the new investment opportunity.
Caesars Enterprise Services, LLC ("CES"), a services joint venture among CEOC, Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties, LLC ("CERP"), a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment, and the Company, (together the "Members" and each a "Member") manages CGP LLC's properties and provides CGP LLC with access to Caesars Entertainment's management expertise, intellectual property, back office services and Total Rewards loyalty program. CES also employs personnel under each property's corresponding property management agreement.
CES manages certain enterprise assets which include all intellectual property currently used, or contemplated to be used, in connection with the properties owned by CEOC, CERP and CGP LLC and their respective affiliates, including any and all intellectual property related to the Total Rewards program. On October 1, 2014, CES began operations in Nevada, Louisiana and certain other jurisdictions in which regulatory approval had been received or was not required, including through the commencement of direct employment by CES of certain designated enterprise-wide employees. CES also manages other assets it owns, licenses or controls, and employs certain of the corresponding employees and other employees who previously provided services to CEOC, CERP and CGP LLC, their affiliates and their respective properties and systems under each property's corresponding property management agreement. Operating expenses are allocated to each Member with respect to their respective properties serviced by CES in accordance with historical allocation methodologies, subject to annual revisions and certain prefunding requirements. Corporate expenses that are not allocated to the properties directly are allocated by CES to CEOC, CERP, and CGPH according to their allocation percentages (initially
70.0%
,
24.6%
and
5.4%
, respectively), subject to annual review. As a result of an annual review undertaken in September 2015 but effective July 2015, the allocation percentages of CES members, CEOC, CERP and CGPH were revised to
65.4%
,
21.8%
and
12.8%
, respectively. CGPH notified CES, CEOC and CERP that it objected to the September 2015 expense allocation but would pay the revised expense allocations under protest and reserved all rights. As a result of an annual review undertaken in August 2016 but effective January 2017, the allocation
percentages for CEOC, CERP and CGPH were revised to
62.9%
,
22.9%
and
14.2%
, respectively. CGPH notified CES, CEOC and CERP that it objects to the August 2016 expense allocation but will pay the revised expense allocations under protest and reserves all rights.
On May 20, 2014, the Members entered into an Omnibus License and Enterprise Services Agreement (the "Omnibus Agreement"), which granted licenses to the Members and certain of their affiliates in connection with the formation of CES. Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, CGP LLC has access to Caesars Entertainment's leading brand portfolio and management expertise and expects to benefit from its corporate scale, which CGP LLC believes provides a competitive advantage in the operation of CGP LLC's properties. CGP LLC also benefits from management agreements that CGP LLC entered into with management company subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment, which were subsequently assigned to CES. CGP LLC also participates in Caesars Entertainment's industry-leading customer loyalty program, Total Rewards. CGP LLC uses the Total Rewards system to market promotions and to generate customer play within CGP LLC's properties.
Interactive Entertainment
On September 23, 2016, Caesars Interactive Entertainment, LLC ("CIE" or "Caesars Interactive", formerly Caesars Interactive Entertainment, Inc.), a subsidiary of CGP LLC, sold its social and mobile games business (the "SMG Business") for
$4.4 billion
subject to customary purchase price adjustments. In connection with the SMG Business sale and related restructuring, CIE retained its World Series of Poker ("WSOP") and regulated online real money gaming ("RMG") businesses. CIE also granted an exclusive, royalty bearing license to Playtika, Ltd. ("Playtika"), a former CIE subsidiary constituting part of the sold SMG Business, with respect to the WSOP and other WSOP-related trademarks owned by CIE or its affiliates and an exclusive royalty bearing sublicense with respect to certain trademarks for continued use in Playtika's social and mobile games business. In connection with the SMG Business sale, CIE repurchased, immediately prior to the closing of the sale of the SMG Business (the "SMG Business Sale Closing"), all of the shares of CIE common stock held by Rock Gaming Interactive LLC and by CIE's other minority investors (collectively, the "Minority Investors") and CIE became a wholly-owned subsidiary of CGP LLC. Details of CIE's two continuing operating units follow below.
Regulated Online Real Money Gaming.
CIE has built a foundation for a regulated United States ("U.S.") online real money gaming business. CIE obtained a license in Nevada in December 2012 to operate online poker and launched
WSOP.com
in September 2013. A subsidiary of CIE applied for and received its internet gaming permit and launched online poker and online casino games in New Jersey in November 2013 under the WSOP, Caesars and Harrah's brands. CIE is actively participating in a U.S. lobbying effort for other states to follow Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey's lead.
While online real money gaming has not been legalized at the Federal level, Nevada has approved interactive gaming regulations allowing for intrastate online poker, and Delaware and New Jersey have each passed online real money gaming laws for both poker and casino games. In February 2014, Nevada and Delaware leaders signed the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement establishing a legal framework for the first authorized interstate Internet gambling, which launched in March 2015.
The World Series of Poker
. The WSOP, which was founded in 1970, is the world's largest annual poker event and organizer of the most-attended regional poker tour. The flagship WSOP tournament series in Las Vegas had
107,833
entries, an event record, and awarded over
$221 million
in prize money in 2016. The 2016-17 WSOP Circuit is expected to include
22
scheduled stops at casinos throughout North America and
14
international stops. Since 2007, the WSOP has staged at least one international event series per year in venues including Paris, San Paulo and Melbourne. The WSOP benefits from a television programming rights agreement with ESPN through 2017 and sponsorship agreements with a number of leading brands.
Products
Regulated Online Real Money Gaming
In Nevada, CIE received its operator's license in December 2012 and launched
WSOP.com
in September 2013. In November 2013, CIE launched three regulated online real money gaming websites in New Jersey that use and promote the Caesars, Harrah's and WSOP brands:
CaesarsCasino.com
,
HarrahsCasino.com
and
WSOP.com
.
CIE's real money gaming software license agreements with 888 Atlantic Limited ("888") and NYX Gaming Group ("NYX") underpin its operations and preparation for further legalized real money gaming in the United States. 888 provides front and back office services for CIE's U.S. poker offerings, allowing CIE to focus on its strengths in branding and marketing, including the online acquisition and retention of customers. CIE operates
WSOP.com
in Nevada and
WSOP.com
and
HarrahsCasino.com
in New Jersey on 888's platform, and operates
CaesarsCasino.com
in New Jersey on the NYX casino platform. The combination of these agreements provides CIE with two software alternatives and the ability to employ a multi-brand and multi-platform strategy.
The World Series of Poker
CIE markets the WSOP brand through three distinct avenues: live events, licensing and sponsorships.
Live Events.
The signature WSOP live event, the WSOP Las Vegas, was established in 1970 and has occurred annually at the Rio Hotel and Casino ("Rio") in Las Vegas for
twelve
consecutive years, with an arrangement for the tournament to stay at the Rio through 2017. The 46th annual WSOP Las Vegas event in 2016 drew
107,833
entries from
107
different countries to the
69
events at the Rio to compete in the official WSOP "Gold Bracelet" events.
Since 2005, the WSOP Las Vegas has been complemented by a regular traveling tour of WSOP-branded poker tournaments running from August to May each year (the "WSOP Circuit Events") which culminates in a season-ending National Championship. In the 2015-16 season, the WSOP tour was linked globally for the first time, allowing
qualifiers from the U.S. circuit to compete with those on the international circuit for the National Championship. The 2015-16 WSOP Circuit included
19
scheduled stops at casinos throughout North America and
six
international stops.
The 2016-17 WSOP Circuit is expected to include
22
scheduled stops at casinos throughout North America and
14
international stops.
CIE's current contract with ESPN provides that the WSOP Las Vegas will be carried on ESPN and ESPN2 through 2017, with at least
32
hours of original programming annually. CIE receives advertising air-time within all aired episodes on every ESPN platform. ESPN's coverage of this season's WSOP began in August
2016
and ran through November
2016
on both ESPN and ESPN2, concluding coverage with a three-day live final table format.
Since 2007, the WSOP has organized at least one international series per year under the WSOP Europe or WSOP Asia-Pacific brands. The 2017 WSOP Europe will take place at King's Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic in October 2017 in what is now the largest live poker room in Europe. The
2016
WSOP Eu
rope took place in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The
2015
WSOP Europe took place at Spielbank Casino in Berlin, Germany in October 2015 and was well-received and attended in its first time in Germany. The first two WSOP Asia-Pacific events were held in 2013 and 2014 in Melbourne, Australia.
Licensing.
CIE licenses the WSOP brand for consumer products, allowing CIE to expand its brand through mainstream channels. WSOP licensed products, from playing cards and poker chips to lifestyle apparel, are sold at such retailers as Target and Lids. New Jersey runs a notable lottery offering in concert with the WSOP brand and eight states have also sold WSOP branded instant-win lottery tickets since 2009.
CIE also currently licenses the WSOP trademark to an affiliate of 888 for their use in 888's operation of
WSOP.co.uk
which is a regulated online real money gaming website in the UK primarily focused on poker. In addition, CIE currently licenses the Caesars trademark to Gamesys Limited for their use in the operation of regulated online real money gaming websites,
CaesarsCasino.co.uk
and
CaesarsBingo.co.uk
, in the UK which primarily focus on casino and bingo related games, respectively.
Starting in September 2016, CIE grants an exclusive, royalty bearing license to Playtika with respect to the WSOP and other WSOP-related trademarks owned by CIE or its affiliates and an exclusive royalty bearing sublicense with respect to certain trademarks for continued use in Playtika's social and mobile games business.
Sponsorships.
CIE annually pursues promotional partnerships with a variety of brands. Event sponsors in
2016
included Black Clover and 888Poker.
Event sponsors in
2015
included NJOY, Jostens, Black Clover, GPI and 888poker.
These partnerships typically include both rights fees and marketing activities promoting the WSOP brand.
2014
was highlighted by a "Watch and W
in" promotion distributed on more than
20 million
packages of the Ruffles Brand of potato chips encouraging download of the WSOP social game and tune-in of the ESPN broadcast. CIE has the exclusive rights to sell camera-visible brand placements within its television and live Internet broadcast programming to third-party advertisers.
Information Technology
Regulated Online Real Money Gaming
888 provides CIE with 888's online gaming platform in addition to a suite of back-office operational services such as customer service, technical support and e-payments. Together with 888, CIE received regulatory certification in Nevada for the September 2013 launch of
WSOP.com
. 888 provides front and back office services for CIE's United States online real money poker offering for online real money casino under the Harrah's brand in New Jersey.
A subsidiary of CIE and affiliates of NYX entered into a platform and services agreement pursuant to which NYX provides online casino platform services including developing, launching, maintaining and operating its software platforms, in New Jersey in exchange for a share of net gaming revenue for the
Caesars Casino
brand.
Marketing
We believe the Caesars portfolio of properties (including the CEOC properties) that operate under the Total Rewards program enable us to capture a larger share of our customers' entertainment spending when they travel among markets versus that of a standalone property, which is core to our cross-market strategy. We believe that our high concentration of properties in the center of the Las Vegas Strip generates increased revenues and enables us to capture more of our customers' gaming dollars than in markets where we have single properties competing individually against outside competition.
We believe the Total Rewards program, in conjunction with this distribution system, allows us to capture a growing share of our customers' entertainment spending and compete more effectively. Members earn Reward Credits at all Caesars-affiliated properties in the United States and Canada for on-property entertainment expenses, including gaming, hotel, dining and retail shopping. Members may also earn Reward Credits through the Total Rewards Visa credit card and can redeem Reward Credits with our many partners, including Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Norwegian Cruise Line. Total Rewards members can redeem Reward Credits for amenities or other items such as merchandise, gift cards, and travel. Total Rewards is structured in tiers (designated as Gold, Platinum, Diamond or Seven Stars), each with increasing member benefits and privileges.
Members are also provided promotional offers and rewards based on their engagement with Caesars-affiliated properties, aspects of their casino gaming play, and their preferred spending choices outside of gaming. Member information is also used for marketing promotions, including direct mail campaigns, electronic mail, our website, mobile devices, social media and interactive slot machines.
With respect to our Interactive Entertainment business, in Nevada and New Jersey, we believe the WSOP database of poker players and Total Rewards database of casino players will be important acquisition channels in addition to traditional techniques such as television and online advertising. CIE's WSOP events are primarily marketed through media features and news coverage.
Casino Properties and Developments
Details of CGP LLC's casino properties as of
December 31, 2016
are shown in the table below.
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Property
|
|
Location
|
|
Casino
Space– Sq. Ft.
(1)
|
|
Slot
Machines
(1)
|
|
Table
Games
(1)
|
|
Hotel
Rooms & Suites
(1)
|
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
|
|
Las Vegas, NV
|
|
64,500
|
|
1,080
|
|
100
|
|
2,500
|
The Cromwell
|
|
Las Vegas, NV
|
|
40,000
|
|
390
|
|
50
|
|
188
|
The LINQ Hotel & Casino
(2)
|
|
Las Vegas, NV
|
|
31,900
|
|
760
|
|
70
|
|
2,250
|
Bally's Las Vegas
|
|
Las Vegas, NV
|
|
68,400
|
|
1,000
|
|
70
|
|
2,810
|
Harrah's New Orleans
|
|
New Orleans, LA
|
|
125,100
|
|
1,580
|
|
150
|
|
450
|
Horseshoe Baltimore
|
|
Baltimore, MD
|
|
122,000
|
|
2,200
|
|
180
|
|
—
|
_________________________
|
|
(2)
|
Includes Strip-front property leased by an affiliate of Caesars Entertainment to The LINQ Hotel & Casino.
|
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Planet Hollywood, which was constructed in 2001, renovated in 2007 and undergoing an approximately
$110 million
partial renovation which is expected to be completed in
2017
, is a casino resort located on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. Planet Hollywood targets a growing younger demographic segment that values the offerings of non-gaming entertainment that complements the casino's gaming activities. Planet Hollywood benefits from its prime location on a
35
-acre site on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip.
Planet Hollywood includes a
2,500
-room hotel, which offers deluxe guestrooms and suites and a
64,500
square foot casino featuring approximately
1,080
slot machines and
100
table games. The facility also has food and beverage outlets, an outdoor pool area and a spa that is leased to a third party. In addition, the facility adjoins to a retail mall, the Miracle Mile Shops, with retailers and restaurants, and a timeshare tower operated by Hilton Grand Vacations. The adjoining mall and timeshare tower, as well as the additional amenities featured at Planet Hollywood, stimulate additional traffic through the Planet Hollywood complex, including the casino and its amenities.
Planet Hollywood also features over
80,000
square feet of convention, trade show and meeting facilities, including a main ballroom, pre-function space, breakout space in separate rooms and a theater which is owned by Planet Hollywood and has a booking and marketing relationship with Live Nation, the world's largest concert promoter. This theater, called The AXIS, is used for award shows, live music events and is currently home to Britney Spears' show
Britney: Piece of Me
and Jennifer Lopez's show
Jennifer Lopez: ALL I HAVE
. In addition, the property features a venue known as the Showroom, which is leased to BZ Clarity Theatrical-LV, LLC.
The Cromwell
The Cromwell underwent a
$235 million
renovation in 2014 to become a boutique "lifestyle" hotel and casino located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, offering a new, sophisticated Las Vegas experience that is intended to fill a gap in the market for an upscale, boutique "lifestyle" hotel. The Cromwell features
188
luxury hotel rooms, the GIADA restaurant opened by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, a
40,000
square foot casino featuring approximately
390
slot machines and
50
table games, and a rooftop indoor/outdoor dayclub/nightclub and after hours club called Drai's, which was developed with nightclub operator Victor Drai.
The LINQ Hotel & Casino
The LINQ Hotel & Casino is located on the Las Vegas Strip next to The LINQ Promenade, an outdoor retail and dining area. The LINQ Hotel & Casino underwent a
$90 million
partial renovation in 2012 and a further
$223 million
renovation that was completed in the first half of 2015. The LINQ Hotel & Casino features approximately
2,250
rooms, a
31,900
square foot casino with approximately
760
slot machines and
70
table games, several bars and restaurants including the Hash House A Go Go and Guy Fieri's first Las Vegas restaurant, distinctive entertainment offerings including
Frank Marino's
Divas Las Vegas
and
Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly
, a pool deck offering two pools and a day club experience, a spa and fitness center, and conference and meeting space.
Bally's Las Vegas
Bally's Las Vegas
opened in 1973 and is located on the Las Vegas Strip. The property features approximately
2,810
rooms and suites, a
68,400
square foot casino featuring approximately
1,000
slot machines and
70
table games, several restaurants, including BLT Steak restaurant, an Olympic-sized pool, a spa and salon, and retail shopping. In December 2013, the property completed the renovation to its south hotel tower. The Grand Bazaar, which is not owned by the Company or its subsidiaries, opened to the public in the first half of 2015 in the space directly in front of Bally's Las Vegas. Entertainment offerings include:
Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal
and
50 SHADES! THE PARODY
.
Bally's Las Vegas benefits from its large convention business, which it shares with Paris Las Vegas, and strong customer loyalty cultivated over more than
30
years. Bally's Las Vegas, having approximately
167,500
square feet of conference and meeting space, combined with Paris Las Vegas, having approximately
117,000
square feet of conference and meeting space, is the largest conference and meeting facility within Caesars Entertainment's network of properties.
Harrah's New Orleans
Harrah's New Orleans opened in 1999 and was fully renovated in 2006. The property is a French-themed resort and casino in the popular destination market of New Orleans, Louisiana. The property features approximately
450
rooms and suites, a
125,100
square foot casino featuring approximately
1,580
slot machines and
150
table games, restaurants and bars (including the popular Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Besh Steak and Acme Oyster House), as well as the Masquerade nightclub. In addition, the Fulton Street Promenade, a pedestrian promenade featuring dining and outdoor concerts, lies just outside Harrah's New Orleans and is available for outdoor functions.
Horseshoe Baltimore
In July 2012, a consortium led by Caesars Entertainment was awarded the license to operate a casino in downtown Baltimore. In October 2012, Caesars Entertainment entered into definitive agreements with its partners to form a joint venture to build Horseshoe Baltimore which opened in August 2014. Offering world-class gaming amenities, the
122,000
square foot casino offers approximately
2,200
slot machines,
180
table games and a WSOP-branded poker room. The entertainment complex features a variety of nightlife options such as 14Forty, a 24 hour multi-level entertainment venue, and signature restaurants from celebrity chefs.
CEOC Notes
At December 31, 2013, CGP LLC owned
$1.1 billion
of aggregate principal amount of senior notes held by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment (the "CEOC Notes").
On May 5, 2014, CGP LLC entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the "Note Purchase Agreement") by and among CEOC, CGP LLC and Caesars Growth Bonds, LLC ("CG Bonds"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CGP LLC. Pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, CGP LLC agreed to sell to CEOC the
$427.3 million
principal amount of
5.625%
senior notes of CEOC due 2015 (the "2015 Notes") owned by CG Bonds at a price equal to
$1,048.75
per
$1,000
principal amount representing fair market value. On July 29, 2014, CGP LLC received approximately
$451.9 million
of consideration (including
$3.8 million
for interest) as part of the closing of the Note Purchase Agreement.
On August 6, 2014, CGP LLC effectuated a distribution of
100%
of its remaining CEOC Notes as a dividend to its members, pro rata based upon each member's ownership percentage in CGP LLC (the "Notes Distribution"). CAC, as a member of CGP LLC and the holder of
42.4%
of the economic interests in CGP LLC at the time of distribution, received in connection with the Notes Distribution
$137.5 million
in aggregate principal amount of the
6.50%
Senior Notes, which matured in June 2016, and
$151.4 million
in aggregate principal amount of the
5.75%
Senior Notes maturing in October 2017.
Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Merger Agreement, CAC does not expect to collect principal or interest receivable from these notes.
Intellectual Property
The development of Intellectual Property ("IP") is part of CIE's overall business strategy, and we regard our IP to be an important element of our success. While the CIE business as a whole is not substantially dependent on any one intellectual property asset, we seek to establish and maintain our proprietary rights in our business operations through the use of copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws. CIE files applications for copyrights and trademarks in the United States and in foreign countries where we believe filing for such protection is appropriate.
CIE's IP includes the WSOP brand and associated trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets that CIE uses in connection with its business operations. CIE seeks to establish and maintain its proprietary rights in its business operations through the use of copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other IP rights. CIE also seeks to maintain its trade secrets and confidential information by nondisclosure policies and through the use of appropriate confidentiality agreements.
CIE, either directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries, owns
33
trademarks as of
December 31, 2016
registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including the
World Series of Poker
and
WSOP
trademarks, for a variety of goods and services. CIE also owns one or more registered trademarks in many jurisdictions globally, including the
World Series of Poker
,
WSOP,
and
World Series of Poker Europe
trademarks.
CIE has additional applications pending in the U.S. and certain foreign countries and is continually adding new filings as it deems appropriate. CIE has not applied for registration of all of its copyrights or trademarks, as the case may be, and may not be successful in obtaining the copyrights and trademarks for which it has applied. Despite efforts to protect its proprietary rights, parties may infringe CIE's intellectual property and use information that it regards as proprietary and its rights may be invalidated or unenforceable.
PHW Las Vegas, LLC ("PHW Las Vegas") is party to a licensing agreement with Planet Hollywood Resorts International, LLC and Planet Hollywood Memorabilia, Inc. (together, the "PH Licensors"), which are affiliates of Robert Earl, the original founder of the Planet Hollywood brand. The licensing agreement grants to PHW Las Vegas rights to use certain trademarks, domain names and intellectual property and to display and exhibit certain memorabilia owned by the PH Licensors. The initial term of the agreement runs through 2045 and the parties may by mutual agreement extend the term for
two
successive terms of
ten years
each. The license agreement was assigned by PHW Las Vegas to PHWLV as described above, and Planet Hollywood Resorts International, LLC assigned the license agreement to PHRC License, LLC in 2014.
Subsidiaries of CGP LLC own certain intellectual property used in their properties. In addition, CAC and CGP LLC are parties to a management services agreement with CEOC in which, among other terms, CAC, CGP LLC and their subsidiaries are granted rights to use the Caesars trademark for corporate identification purposes. The term of the agreement is until such time as CAC and CGP LLC elect to terminate the agreement, upon mutual written consent of the parties, upon consummation of either the call right or the liquidation right, or at the election of the non-defaulting party upon the occurrence of an uncured default. The management services agreement was assumed by CES in 2014.
CES granted to the properties owned or controlled by the Members, and their respective affiliates, non-exclusive licenses to all intellectual property owned or used by such licensors, including all intellectual property (a) currently used, or contemplated to be used, in connection with the properties owned by the Members and their respective affiliates, including any and all intellectual property related to the Total Rewards program, and (b) necessary for the provision of services contemplated by the Omnibus Agreement and by the applicable management agreement for any such property. In addition, CES granted to the Harrah's New Orleans and Bally's Las Vegas managed facilities, an exclusive (subject to geographic restrictions) license in and to the "Harrah's" and "Bally's" names. CES granted to CEOC, Caesars License Company, LLC ("CLC"), Caesars World, Inc. ("CWI"), CGPH and the properties owned or controlled by the Members, including us, licenses to any intellectual property that CES develops or acquires in the future that is not a derivative of the intellectual property licensed to it. CES also granted to CEOC, CLC, CWI and CGPH a non-exclusive license to intellectual property specific to the properties controlled by CGPH, CERP and their subsidiaries for any uses consistent with the uses made by CEOC, CLC, CWI and CGPH with respect to such intellectual property prior to the date of the Omnibus Agreement.
Competition
Interactive Entertainment
CIE's competitors include regulated online gaming companies that operate in the U.S., poker tournament creators and other forms of casino and media entertainment.
Casino Properties and Developments
The casino entertainment business is highly competitive and characterized by competitors that vary considerably by their size, quality of facilities, number of operations, brand identities, marketing and growth strategies, financial strength and capabilities, level of amenities, management talent, and geographic diversity. In most markets, including Las Vegas, CGP LLC competes directly with other casino facilities operating in the immediate and surrounding market areas.
The Las Vegas and Louisiana hotel/casino industries are highly competitive. Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip compete with other hotels on and off the Las Vegas Strip, including hotels in downtown Las Vegas, and hotels in Louisiana compete with other hotels in Louisiana and on the Gulf Coast. CGP LLC's Las Vegas Strip hotels and casinos also compete, in part, with each other and other Caesars Entertainment resorts. In recent years, many casino operators have been reinvesting in existing markets to attract new customers or to gain market share, thereby increasing competition in those markets. As companies have completed new expansion projects, supply has typically grown at a faster pace than demand in some markets, including Las Vegas, CGP LLC's largest market, and competition has increased significantly. For example, SLS Las Vegas opened in August 2014 on the northern end of the Strip, and the Genting Group has announced plans to develop a casino and hotel called Resorts World Las Vegas, which is expected to open in 2019 on the northern end of the Strip. Also, in response to changing trends, Las Vegas operators have been focused on expanding their non-gaming offerings, including upgrades to hotel rooms, new food and beverage offerings, and new entertainment offerings. MGM's The Park and joint venture with AEG, T-Mobile Arena, located between New York-New York and Monte Carlo, opened in April 2016 and includes retail and dining options and a
20,000
seat indoor arena for sporting events and concerts. In addition, in June 2016, MGM announced that the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino will undergo
$450 million
in non-gaming renovations focused on room, food and beverage and entertainment enhancements and is expected to re-open in late 2018 as two newly branded hotels. There have also been proposals for other large scale non-gaming development projects in Las Vegas by various other developers. The expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of CGP LLC's competitors have increased competition in many markets in which they operate, and this intense competition is expected to continue.
In addition, in the mid-Atlantic region, existing casino resorts provide a number of gaming options for customers, thereby creating significant competition for Horseshoe Baltimore. The casino resorts in the mid-Atlantic region compete with each other on the basis of overall atmosphere, range of amenities, level of service, price, location, entertainment offered and size. Further, MGM National Harbor in Maryland opened in December 2016 and may draw additional customers away from Horseshoe Baltimore. In addition, in June 2016, Maryland Live! announced plans to invest
$200 million
to construct a new hotel with additional food and beverage and entertainment options adjacent to its casino.
CGP LLC also competes with legalized gaming from casinos located on Native American tribal lands, primarily those located in California. While the competitive impact on CGP LLC's operations in Las Vegas from the continued growth of Native American gaming establishments in California remains uncertain, the proliferation of gaming in California and other areas located in the same regions as CGP LLC's properties could have an adverse effect on CGP LLC's results of operations.
In addition, certain states have legalized, and others may legalize, casino gaming in specific areas, including metropolitan areas from which CGP LLC traditionally attracts customers. A number of states have permitted or are considering permitting gaming, on Native American reservations and through expansion of state lotteries.
While CGP LLC does not believe it to be the case, some have suggested that internet gaming could create additional competition for CGP LLC and could adversely affect CGP LLC's brick and mortar operations. CGP LLC believes that internet gaming complements brick and mortar operations. CGP LLC also competes with other non-gaming resorts and vacation areas, with various other entertainment businesses, and with other forms of gaming, such as lotteries.
The current global trend toward liberalization of gaming restrictions and resulting proliferation of gaming venues could result in a decrease in the number of visitors to CGP LLC's Las Vegas facilities by attracting customers close to home and away from Las Vegas, which could have a material adverse effect on CGP LLC's businesses.
Seasonality
We believe that business at CGP LLC's properties is subject to seasonality based on the weather in the markets in which they operate, and the travel habits of visitors. For instance, visitation is lowest during the winter months; however, volume of business generated by our Las Vegas properties is generally lower during the summer months.
Business in CGP LLC's properties can also fluctuate from time to time due to specific events, such as Chinese New Year, the World Series of Poker tournament (with respect to CGP LLC's Las Vegas Properties), city-wide conventions, Mardi Gras (with respect to Harrah's New Orleans), a sporting event (including, with respect to Harrah's New Orleans, a Super Bowl or a NCAA Final Four Championship) or a concert, or visits by our premium players. Seasonality may cause CGP LLC's working capital cash flow requirements to vary from quarter to quarter depending on the variability in the volume and timing of sales. These factors, among other things, make forecasting more difficult and may adversely affect CGP LLC's ability to manage working capital and to predict financial results accurately, which could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.
Employees
As of
December 31, 2016
, CAC did not have any employees. The employees that work at CGP LLC's casino properties are employees of the respective property where they work. CGP LLC's casino properties had approximately
10,150
employees. Approximately
5,490
employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Governmental Regulation
The gaming industry is highly regulated, and we must maintain our licenses and pay gaming taxes to continue our operations. Our gaming facilities and online real money platforms are subject to extensive regulation under the laws, rules, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which the gaming facility is located and the online real money platform operates. These laws, rules, and regulations generally concern the responsibility, financial stability, and character of the owners, managers, and persons with financial interests in the gaming operations. Violations of laws in one jurisdiction could result in disciplinary action in other jurisdictions. A more detailed description of the regulations to which we are subject is contained in Exhibit
99.2
to this Form 10‑K.
Our businesses are subject to various foreign, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, in addition to gaming regulations. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions concerning alcoholic beverages, smoking, environmental matters, employees, currency transactions, taxation, zoning and building codes, construction, land use, and marketing and advertising. We also deal with significant amounts of cash in our operations and are subject to various reporting and anti-money laundering regulations. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new laws and regulations could be enacted. Material changes, new laws or regulations, or material differences in interpretations by courts or governmental authorities could adversely affect our operating results. See
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
for additional discussion.
Available Information
Our Internet address is
www.caesarsacquisitioncompany.com
. We make available free of charge, on or through our website, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). We also make available through our website all filings of our executive officers and directors on Forms 3, 4, and 5 under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. These filings are also available on the SEC's website at
www.sec.gov
. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website under the Investor Relations link. We will provide a copy of these documents without charge to any person upon receipt of a written request addressed to Caesars Acquisition Company, Attn: Corporate Secretary, One Caesars Palace Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. Reference in this document to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
.
Risks Related to the Pending Acquisition of the Company by Caesars Entertainment
We may not be able to consummate our announced acquisition by CEC in the anticipated timeframe, or at all.
As previously announced, on December 21, 2014, we entered into the Merger Agreement with CEC, pursuant to which, subject to satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, CAC will merge with and into CEC, with CEC as the surviving company. On July 9, 2016, we agreed with CEC to amend and restate the Merger Agreement (as amended the "Amended Merger Agreement"). There are a number of risks and uncertainties associated with the consummation of the Proposed Merger with CEC, and completion of the Proposed Merger is contingent upon customary closing conditions, including approval of the Amended Merger Agreement by our stockholders as well as CEC's stockholders and receipt of certain regulatory approvals. In addition to obtaining the stockholder approvals, consummation of the Proposed Merger is also subject to other conditions, including the CEOC restructuring plan confirmed by the bankruptcy court containing the Debtor Release, the Third-Party Release and the Exculpation, each as defined in the CEOC restructuring plan. The order approving the disclosure statement and the order approving solicitation procedures for creditors to vote on the third amended joint plan of reorganization were both approved on June 28, 2016. On October 19, 2016, the objection and voting deadline for the third amended joint plan of reorganization was scheduled for November 21, 2016. The confirmation hearing was held on January 17, 2017, at which point the Bankruptcy Court approved CEOC's restructuring plan. Failure to obtain the other required approvals within the expected time frame, or having to make significant changes to the structure, terms, or conditions of the Proposed Merger to obtain such approvals, may result in a material delay in, or the abandonment of, the Proposed Merger. There can be no assurance that these conditions of the Proposed Merger will be satisfied, and if satisfied, when they will be satisfied. In no event will the Proposed Merger be completed later than December 31, 2017, unless CAC and CEC otherwise agree.
Though the CEOC restructuring plan confirmed by the bankruptcy court contains the Debtor Release, Third-Party Release and Exculpation, under certain circumstances the exchange ratio, pursuant to which shares of CAC's class A common stock, par value
$0.001
per share (the "Class A Common Stock") and CAC's class B common stock, par value
$0.001
per share (the "Class B Common Stock," and together with the Class A Common Stock, the "CAC Common Stock"), will become exchangeable for shares of CEC's common stock (the "Exchange Ratio"), may be adjusted or the Amended Merger Agreement may be terminated.
Additionally, CEC is subject to litigation which if decided adversely may increase the risk the conditions to consummation of the Proposed Merger are not satisfied. As further discussed in the section entitled
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
-
CEOC Bondholder Litigation, or Noteholder Disputes
, on July 22, 2015, the bankruptcy judge presiding over the CEOC bankruptcy denied CEOC's request to stay certain litigation against CEC including the Delaware Second Lien Lawsuit, the New York First Lien Lawsuit, the New York Second Lien Lawsuit and the Senior Unsecured Lawsuits and, following multiple appeals, on December 23, 2015, a panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the bankruptcy court's denial of CEOC's requested stay and remanded the issue to the bankruptcy court for further consideration. On January 11, 2015, CEOC petitioned the Seventh Circuit to rehear the appeal. CEOC's petition for rehearing was denied on January 25, 2016, and the case was remanded to the bankruptcy court on February 2, 2016. On February 26, 2016, the bankruptcy court issued a ruling granting CEOC's request to stay the litigation identified above until the earlier of (i) 60 days after the examiner files his initial final report and (ii) May 9, 2016. The second lien notes trustee BOKF, N.A. ("BOKF") sought limited relief from the bankruptcy court's order on March 3, 2016, requesting that all pre-trial matters and rulings be allowed to move forward. On March 10, 2016, the bankruptcy court modified the preliminary injunction to clarify that BOKF may engage in all pre-trial matters. On May 10, 2016, BOKF moved for partial summary judgment on claims related to breach of contract and violation of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The parties completed summary judgment briefing prior to the bankruptcy court's June 15, 2016 grant of a temporary stay through August 29, 2016 of the Parent Guarantee Lawsuits, as defined below. On October 5, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court granted CEOC's motion for a stay of the Parent Guarantee Lawsuits. The Bankruptcy Court ordered this stay to remain in effect until the earlier of (a) the first omnibus hearing after the Bankruptcy Court issues its decision confirming or denying confirmation of the CEOC reorganization plan (February 15, 2017), (b) the termination of the Second Lien RSA or (c) further order of the Bankruptcy Court. Adverse rulings may result in reinstatement of the CEC guarantee of certain CEOC debt which could increase the risk the conditions to consummation of the Proposed Merger are not satisfied. Adverse rulings may also result in the possibility that Caesars Entertainment enters bankruptcy or is unable to continue as a going concern.
Additionally, the significant amounts CEC has agreed to pay in connection with CEOC's reorganization raises substantial doubt about CEC's ability to continue as a going concern. It is possible that the amount of money CEC will be required to pay will be so substantial that it will diminish the value of CEC to such an extent that the proposed merger between CAC and CEC cannot be consummated. The proposed merger between CAC and CEC is subject to an exchange ratio governing the relative percentage ownership in the combined entity that CAC and CEC would each hold. Any revision to the exchange ratio must be approved by a special committee of the CAC board and ultimately by shareholder vote of CAC stockholders. Should CEC be required to pay such a substantial amount of money or other consideration to a reorganized CEOC that the value of CEC requires a revision to the exchange ratio for the merged entity, it is possible that the CAC special committee or CAC's
stockholders would not approve the merger and the merger would not be consummated. See risk factor below entitled "If a court were to find in favor of the claimants in the Noteholder Disputes, it would likely have a material adverse effect on CEC's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and, absent an intervening event, a reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code would likely be necessary due to the limited resources available at CEC to resolve such matters. The significant amounts CEC has agreed to pay in connection with CEOC's reorganization raise substantial doubt about CEC's ability to continue as a going concern. In addition, CEC estimates that it will require additional sources of funding to meet the ongoing financial commitments of the CEC holding company for amounts other than committed to under the RSAs."
We can therefore give you no assurance that the Proposed Merger will be consummated, in which case we would not realize the anticipated benefits of having completed the Proposed Merger, which may adversely affect us.
The combined company will require significant liquidity to fund CEOC's emergence from Chapter 11 and to achieve successful integration and achieve targeted synergies post-closing.
At emergence from Chapter 11, CEOC will be required to or may deem it advisable to settle in cash certain obligations (such as professional fees, certain accrued and unpaid interest and debt obligations) that matured during the Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. Additionally, under the now confirmed CEOC restructuring plan, Caesars Entertainment will be required to (i) contribute over
$400 million
to pay a forbearance fee, for general corporate purposes and to fund sources and uses and (ii) purchase up to approximately
$1.2 billion
of new equity in the restructured CEOC and its subsidiaries. As a result of these payments and investments, Caesars Entertainment may have less cash available in future periods for investments and operating expenses and, as a result, the confirmation of the CEOC reorganization plan and emergence of CEOC from bankruptcy may have a negative impact on the combined company and on its ability to sustain its operations. An order approving the disclosure statement and an order approving solicitation procedures for creditors to vote on the third amended joint plan of reorganization were both approved on June 28, 2016. On October 19, 2016, the objection and voting deadline for the third amended joint plan of reorganization was scheduled for November 21, 2016. The confirmation hearing for the third amended joint plan was held on January 17, 2017, where the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the CEOC restructuring plan. CEOC believes that the restructuring plan may become effective as early as May 2017.
While the Proposed Merger with CEC is pending, we are subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions that could disrupt our business.
We have experienced and, whether or not the pending Proposed Merger with CEC is completed, we may continue to experience disruption of our current plans and operations due to the pending Proposed Merger, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results. Our employees and other key personnel may have uncertainties about the effect of the pending Proposed Merger, and those uncertainties may impact our ability to retain, recruit and hire key personnel while the Proposed Merger is pending or if it is not consummated. To date, we have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant costs, expenses and fees for professional services and other transaction costs in connection with the Proposed Merger with CEC, and these fees and costs are payable by us whether or not the Proposed Merger is consummated. Furthermore, we cannot predict how our suppliers and customers will view or react to the Proposed Merger, and some may be hesitant to do business with us in light of uncertainties about our ability to perform due to the proposed acquisition of us by CEC. If we are unable to reassure our customers and suppliers to continue transacting business with us, whether or not the Proposed Merger is consummated, our financial results may be adversely affected.
Under the terms of the Amended Merger Agreement, we are required to operate our business in the ordinary course, and we are also subject to certain restrictions on the conduct of our business prior to the consummation of the Proposed Merger without the consent of CEC, including, among other things, certain restrictions on our ability to enter new lines of business; make certain investments and acquisitions; sell, transfer, lease, dispose of or grant our assets; enter into certain contracts; incur indebtedness; and make certain capital expenditures. These restrictions, which could be in place for an extended period of time if the consummation of the Proposed Merger is delayed, could prevent us from pursuing otherwise attractive business opportunities, result in our inability to respond effectively to competitive pressures, industry developments and future opportunities and may otherwise harm our business, financial results and operations.
In the event that the pending Proposed Merger with CEC is not completed, the trading price of our common stock and our future business and financial results may be negatively impacted.
As noted above, the conditions to the completion of the Proposed Merger with CEC may not be satisfied, and even if the CEOC restructuring plan confirmed by the bankruptcy court contains such Debtor Release, Third-Party Release and Exculpation, under certain circumstances the Exchange Ratio may be adjusted or the Amended Merger Agreement may be terminated. If the Proposed Merger with CEC is not completed for any reason, we would still be liable for significant transaction costs and the focus of our management would have been diverted from seeking other potential opportunities without realizing any benefits of the completed Proposed Merger. If we do not complete the Proposed Merger, certain litigation against us such as the Debtor Release and the Third Party Release will remain outstanding and not be released. Furthermore, if we do not complete the Proposed Merger, it is possible that CEOC or its creditors could institute additional litigation against us, asserting claims
such as those identified in the examiner's report. If we do not complete the Proposed Merger, the price of our common stock may decline significantly from the current market price, which may reflect a market assumption that the Proposed Merger will be completed.
If the Proposed Merger is not completed or we are not otherwise acquired, we may consider other strategic alternatives, which are subject to risks and uncertainties.
If the Proposed Merger with CEC is not completed, our Board will review and consider various alternatives available to us, including, among others, continuing as a public company with no material changes to our business or capital structure or other alternative transactions. Any alternative transaction may involve various additional risks to our business, including, among others, distraction of our management team and associated expenses similar to those described above in connection with the Proposed Merger, our ability to consummate an alternative transaction, the valuation assigned to our business in the alternative transaction, our ability or a potential buyer's ability to access capital on acceptable terms or at all and other variables that may adversely affect our operations.
We are subject to litigation initiated in connection with the Proposed Merger, which could be time consuming and divert the resources and the attention of management.
CAC and the individual members of our Board have been named as defendants in certain lawsuits relating to the Amended Merger Agreement and the Proposed Merger, and may be named in additional lawsuits relating to the Amended Merger Agreement and the Proposed Merger. The lawsuit filed to date generally alleges that the directors breached their fiduciary duties by engaging in a flawed sales process, by approving an inadequate price, and by agreeing to provisions that would allegedly preclude another interested buyer from making a financially superior proposal to acquire the company. The lawsuit filed to date was dismissed without prejudice for lack of prosecution on October 13, 2016. On November 14, 2016, the deadline to seek reinstatement of that lawsuit lapsed, without action by the plaintiff. The defense of any such lawsuits, and any additional lawsuits relating to the Amended Merger Agreement and the Proposed Merger, may be expensive and may divert management's attention and resources, which could adversely affect our business results of operations and financial condition.
The Proposed Merger may be completed on terms different than those contained in the Amended Merger Agreement.
Prior to the completion of the Proposed Merger, the parties may, by their mutual agreement, amend or alter the terms of the Amended Merger Agreement, including with respect to, among other things, the merger consideration to be received by our stockholders or any covenants or agreements with respect to the parties' respective operations pending completion of the Proposed Merger. In addition, either party may choose to waive certain requirements of the Amended Merger Agreement, including some conditions to closing the Proposed Merger. Any such amendments, alterations or waivers may have negative consequences to the other parties or their respective stockholders, including the possibility that consideration paid in the Proposed Merger may be reduced.
Our stockholders cannot be certain of the date they will receive the merger consideration or of the aggregate value of the merger consideration they will receive.
The date that our stockholders will receive the merger consideration depends on the completion date of the Proposed Merger, which is uncertain. In no event will the Proposed Merger be completed later than December 31, 2017 unless CAC and CEC otherwise agree. The date that the Proposed Merger becomes effective may be later than the date of the special meeting of our stockholders to approve the Proposed Merger, and at the time of our special meeting, our stockholders will not know the exact market value of the CEC common stock that they will receive upon completion of the Proposed Merger. The dollar value of the consideration received by our stockholders will depend upon the market value of CEC common stock at the effective time of the Proposed Merger, and such dollar value may be different from, and lower than, the dollar value of the merger consideration today or the date of the special meeting of our stockholders to approve the Proposed Merger.
CIE has a significant amount of cash held in escrow, and it is unclear whether and to what extent such cash will be released.
In connection with the RSAs, the amended and restated restructuring support agreement that we entered into with CEOC and the agreement for the sale of CIE's social and mobile games business, we entered into the CIE Proceeds and Reservation of Rights Agreement on September 9, 2016, with CIE, CEC and CEOC (the "CIE Proceeds Agreement"), pursuant to which CIE deposited into an escrow account
$2.7 billion
of the proceeds received from the sale of its social and mobile games business. The proceeds may only be released in accordance with the terms set forth in the CIE Proceeds Agreement, with the joint written consent of CIE and CEOC or pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction. As of
December 31, 2016
,
$62.7 million
has been distributed from the escrow account pursuant to the terms of the CIE Proceeds Agreement. The CIE Proceeds Agreement provides, that at the request of CIE, proceeds may be released to CAC or CGP LLC in the event that there is a full and final release, or a dismissal in full with prejudice of the claims for actual and constructive fraudulent conveyances and transfers against CAC, CIE, the purchaser of the social and mobile games business, or the company or any of the subsidiaries acquired by such purchaser ("Caesar Claims"), on the August 9, 2016 suit filed by CEOC, or if there is a judgment in such proceedings and such judgment has been satisfied in full by CAC and CIE, or a plan of reorganization for CEOC which
provides that CAC, CIE, such purchaser, such purchaser's acquired company and any of its subsidiaries are fully and finally released of all liability arising for such Caesar Claims. Upon consummation of the CEOC restructuring plan confirmed on January 17, 2017, it is anticipated that the funds in the CIE Escrow Account, as defined in
Note 3
—
Development, Acquisition and Divestiture Activity
to the CGP LLC Combined and Consolidated Financial Statements in Exhibit
99.1
, will be released. We cannot provide assurance as to when the CEOC restructuring plan will be consummated.
In addition, CIE placed
$264.0 million
into escrow (the "Indemnity Escrow") to secure the potential indemnity claims of Purchaser for a period of twelve months from the SMG Business Sale Closing date pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement. During the
fourth quarter of 2016
, upon finalization of the purchase price adjustment pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, CIE paid
$4.5 million
to Purchaser from the Indemnity Escrow account. At
December 31, 2016
, the remaining balance in the Indemnity Escrow was
$259.5 million
, which is included as short-term Restricted cash on CGP LLC's Consolidated Balance Sheet. There have been no claims made against the Indemnity Escrow account. It is unclear whether and to what extent the funds in the Indemnity Escrow will be released.
Risks Related to CGP LLC's Continued Dependence on Caesars Entertainment and CES
CAC and CGP LLC (including CGPH) are dependent on CES, CEOC and its subsidiaries to provide corporate services, back-office support and business advisory services through the CGP LLC Management Services Agreement and the Omnibus Agreement. CAC and CGP LLC cannot operate without the services provided by subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment and will be adversely affected if either the CGP LLC Management Services Agreement or Omnibus Agreement is terminated.
CES, a services joint venture among CEOC, CERP, a subsidiary of CEC, and CGPH, (together the "Members" and each a "Member") manages our properties and provides us with access to Caesars Entertainment's management expertise, intellectual property, back office services and Total Rewards loyalty program. Pursuant to the CGP LLC Management Services Agreement, CEOC and its subsidiaries provide certain corporate services, back-office support and business advisory services to CAC and CGP LLC, however, generally, the services that would otherwise be performed under the CGP LLC Management Services Agreement are now performed by CES pursuant to other arrangements. Additionally, pursuant to the Omnibus License and Enterprise Services Agreement (the "Omnibus Agreement"), CES provides, among other services, corporate services and back-office support to CGPH. Moreover, CES provides management services to CGP LLC owned casinos. CAC and CGP LLC have a very short history of operating casinos and interactive entertainment. Therefore, the business and operations of CAC and CGP LLC are dependent on the services provided by Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries, and CAC and CGP LLC cannot operate without these services. If the quality of the services provided by Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries deteriorates, or if the terms under which Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries provide such services change in a manner that is adverse to CGP LLC, it could have a material adverse effect on CAC and CGP LLC's business, financial condition and operating results.
In addition, if the CGP LLC Management Services Agreement or the Omnibus Agreement were to be terminated and not replaced, or if Caesars Entertainment or its subsidiaries were to suffer significant liquidity or operational difficulties, becoming incapable of providing support and management services (or unable to provide such services at agreed upon levels) to CAC or CGP LLC or cease operations altogether, CAC and/or CGP LLC would no longer have access to the operational support and management expertise provided by Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries and it could have a material adverse effect on CAC and CGP LLC's business, financial condition and operating results. The management of Caesars Entertainment has concluded that, due to the material uncertainty related to certain of the litigation proceedings against Caesars Entertainment, as more fully described in
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
-
CEOC Bondholder Litigation, or Noteholder Disputes
, there is substantial doubt about Caesars Entertainment's ability to continue as a going concern. Adverse rulings may result in reinstatement of the CEC guarantee of certain CEOC debt which could increase the risk the conditions to consummation of the Proposed Merger are not satisfied. Adverse rulings may also result in the possibility that Caesars Entertainment enters bankruptcy or is unable to continue as a going concern.
If Caesars Entertainment were unable to continue as a going concern, CERP and CEOC, as subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment, could be unable to provide CES with their respective contributions to CES's operating funds and capital, which would also render CES incapable of providing us with the support and management services we require. In addition, if CES were to become a debtor in a bankruptcy case, it may seek bankruptcy court approval to assume the Omnibus Agreement or the management agreements under the Bankruptcy Code, to assign such agreements to a third party or to reject such agreements. See "
Our operations depend on material contracts with third parties, including Caesars Entertainment, the continued enforcement of which may be adversely impacted by a bankruptcy of Caesars Entertainment or CES
." Any failure by CAC or CGP LLC to obtain the operational and management support of Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries, and particularly any failure by CGP LLC to obtain Caesars Entertainment's expertise in operating casinos or maintaining access to the Total Rewards loyalty program, would adversely affect CAC and/or CGP LLC's business, financial condition and operating results.
We do not control CES, and the interests of our co-investors may not align with our interests.
CEOC, CERP and CGPH are members of CES, and CGPH and its subsidiaries rely on CES to provide it with intellectual property licenses and property management services, among other services. Each member of CES is required to
contribute as necessary to fund CES's operating costs and capital requirements in accordance with the terms of the operating agreement that governs CES. The amount CGPH will be required to fund in the future may be greater than its initial contribution, and will be subject to the review and approval of the CES steering committee. CGPH, CEOC and CERP control CES through its steering committee, which is comprised of one representative from each of CGPH, CEOC and CERP. In the event that CGPH's interests do not align with those of CEOC or CERP, the interests of CEOC or CERP may be met before CGPH. In addition, certain decisions by CES may not be made without unanimous consent of the members, including CGPH. These actions include any decision with respect to liquidation or dissolution of CES, merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all the assets of CES, usage of CES assets in a manner inconsistent with the purposes of CES, material amendment to CES's operating agreement, admission of new investors to CES and filing of any bankruptcy or similar action by CES. Thus, any Member may block those actions requiring unanimous consent of the Members notwithstanding that such actions are in our interest. As a result of an annual review undertaken in September 2015 but effective July 2015, the allocation percentages of CEOC, CERP and CGPH were revised to
65.4%
,
21.8%
and
12.8%
, respectively. CGPH has notified CES, CEOC and CERP that it objected to the September 2015 expense allocation but would pay the revised expense allocations under protest and reserved all rights. As a result of an annual review undertaken in August 2016 but effective January 2017, the allocation percentages for CEOC, CERP and CGPH were revised to
62.9%
,
22.9%
and
14.2%
, respectively. CGPH has notified CES, CEOC and CERP that it objects to the August 2016 expense allocation but will pay the revised expense allocations under protest and reserves all rights.
CGP LLC is dependent on the expertise of Caesars Entertainment's and CES senior management, who may not be directly invested in CGP LLC's success, which may have an adverse effect on CGP LLC and/or CAC's business, financial condition and operating results.
CGP LLC relies a great deal on the expertise and guidance of Caesars Entertainment's senior management who do not receive direct compensation from CGP LLC. As a result, Caesars Entertainment's senior management may devote substantially less time to the business and operations of CGP LLC than were they to be employed by CGP LLC. Senior management that is not invested in the success of CGP LLC's business may have an adverse effect on CGP LLC and/or CAC's business, financial condition and operating results.
Loss of the services of any key personnel from Caesars Entertainment or CES could have a material adverse effect on the business of CGP LLC.
The leadership of Caesars Entertainment's and CES' senior management has been a critical element of Caesars Entertainment's success. The advisory and management services provided to CGP LLC depend on this senior management. The death or disability of, or other extended or permanent loss of services, or any negative market or industry perception of Caesars Entertainment's or CES' senior management could have a material adverse effect on CGP LLC's business. CGP LLC is not protected by key man insurance or similar life insurance covering members of Caesars Entertainment's senior management, nor does CGP LLC have employment agreements with any of Caesars Entertainment's senior management.
A default by Caesars Entertainment on certain of its debt obligations could adversely affect CGP LLC's business, financial condition and operating results.
Caesars Entertainment (including its consolidated subsidiaries) is a highly leveraged company and has pledged a significant portion of its assets and the assets of its subsidiaries as collateral under certain of its debt obligations, including the trademarks for which CIE has licensed the right to use, including "Caesars," "Total Rewards" and "Harrah's." The stock of CEOC is also pledged to secure these debt obligations. CEOC and its subsidiaries that are the owners of these trademarks filed for bankruptcy in January 2015. If Caesars Entertainment or its subsidiaries were to default on these obligations, its lenders could exercise significant influence over CGP LLC's business. CGP LLC is dependent on a number of services from Caesars Entertainment, CEOC, CES and other subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment, pursuant to the CGP LLC Management Services Agreement, the Omnibus Agreement and CIE's Shared Services Agreement. If Caesars Entertainment and/or its subsidiaries file for bankruptcy protection under the U.S. bankruptcy code, their filing may materially and adversely affect CGP LLC's assets and operations. For example, in the event of a default by Caesars Entertainment, its lenders or their successors may elect to reject the CGP LLC Management Services Agreement or the Omnibus Agreement as an executory contract in a bankruptcy proceeding. Furthermore, in the event of such a default, Caesars Entertainment's lenders also may seek to reject CIE's cross marketing and trademark license agreement with Caesars Entertainment in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding and, as a result, CIE would no longer have licenses to use certain trademarks owned by Caesars Entertainment or its subsidiaries. The result of this influence and any related disruption in CGP LLC's business could have a material adverse effect on CGP LLC's business, financial condition and operating results. Recent litigation against CEC may increase the risk these events occur. See
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
-
CEOC Bondholder Litigation, or Noteholder Disputes
.
We attribute no value to the CEOC Notes held by CAC and such attribution could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.
As a result of a pro rata dividend distribution to its members on 2014, CAC received
$137.5 million
in aggregate principal amount of
6.50%
senior notes previously issued by CEOC, which matured on June 1, 2016, and
$151.4 million
in aggregate principal amount of
5.75%
senior notes, maturing October 1, 2017. Under the CEOC restructuring plan confirmed on January 17, 2017, CAC receives no recovery for any of the CEOC Notes held by it, and CAC has written down the full value of such CEOC Notes for the calendar year 2016. Accordingly, we attribute no value to the CEOC Notes held by CAC and such attribution could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.
CGP LLC has an obligation to give a right of first refusal for any development opportunities to Caesars Entertainment, but Caesars Entertainment has no obligation to give any development opportunities to CGP LLC. Caesars Entertainment may keep all potential development opportunities for itself. CGP LLC would need to rely on a separate party to pursue any opportunities without the approval and assistance of Caesars Entertainment.
Pursuant to the CGP Operating Agreement, CGP LLC is required to first provide any potential development opportunities to Caesars Entertainment to be considered by a committee of the Caesars Entertainment board of directors comprised of disinterested directors. CGP LLC can only proceed with such investment or opportunity to the extent such Caesars Entertainment committee declines the opportunity for itself or CEOC. If the committee provides an opportunity to CGP LLC, we expect that CGP LLC will retain a
50%
interest in the management fee to be received by Caesars Entertainment, unless otherwise agreed. However, because each opportunity will be negotiated as a separate transaction, there can be no assurances that CGP LLC and Caesars Entertainment will share equally (or that CGP LLC will share at all) in the management fee. If the committee does not provide the opportunity to CGP LLC, the committee can also decide to keep the opportunity for Caesars Entertainment. No assurances can be provided that the committee will ever provide an opportunity to CGP LLC.
Although certain employees of Apollo Global Management, LLC ("Apollo") and TPG Global, LLC ("TPG" and, together with Apollo, the "Sponsors") are on the boards of directors of Caesars Entertainment and CAC, the certificates of incorporation of both companies provide that neither the Sponsors nor directors have any obligation to present any corporate opportunity to Caesars Entertainment or CAC. Accordingly, the Sponsors may pursue gaming, entertainment or other activities outside of Caesars Entertainment or CAC and have no obligation to present such opportunity to Caesars Entertainment or CAC; however, if any choose to present such opportunity to Caesars Entertainment or CAC, then such opportunity must follow the rights of first offer.
If the committee declines an opportunity altogether and CGP LLC pursues the opportunity without the support of Caesars Entertainment, CGP LLC will be required to identify and obtain the necessary services from a third-party. No assurances can be provided that CGP LLC will be able to find a third-party to pursue an opportunity without Caesars Entertainment and any services provided may be more expensive than, or of less quality than, those that are provided by Caesars Entertainment, and as a result, could have a material adverse impact on the success of the opportunity.
Caesars Entertainment's interests may conflict with CGP LLC's interests.
The interests of Caesars Entertainment could conflict with CGP LLC's interests. Caesars Entertainment is in a casino and entertainment business similar to CGP LLC and may, from time to time in the future, pursue for itself acquisitions that would be complementary to CGP LLC's business, in which case, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities would not be available to us. Without access to acquisition opportunities, CGP LLC will be limited in growing its business.
The success of CGP LLC's business depends in part on its continued participation in Caesars' Total Rewards loyalty program. If casinos owned by CGP LLC are unable to access the Total Rewards loyalty program database, it could have a material adverse impact on CGP LLC's business.
The success of CGP LLC's business depends in part on its ability to direct targeted marketing efforts to important casino and hospitality customers. The ability of CGP LLC's business to undertake those marketing efforts depends to a significant extent on its continued participation in the Total Rewards loyalty program owned and maintained by CEOC and its subsidiaries, and following its commencement of operations, licensed to CES. In connection with this program, the casinos owned by CGP LLC can develop information which allows them to track casino play and award complimentaries and other promotional opportunities to their customers. Complimentaries and other similar rewards are customarily offered by casino and gaming facilities to their customers and are important incentives to those customers. If the casinos owned by CGP LLC are unable to access the Total Rewards loyalty program database, it could have a material adverse impact on CGP LLC's business. Participation in the Total Rewards loyalty program is one of our competitive strengths and our business and growth strategy are, in part, based on tracked play and targeted marketing efforts.
In the past, the removal of the Total Rewards loyalty program from a casino property has resulted in negative impacts on such property's financial results. Similarly, if we are unable to access the Total Rewards loyalty program database, we expect our annual revenue would decline, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
CIE and CGP LLC license their right to use and sublicense various trademarks and service marks from Caesars Entertainment and certain of its affiliates. Accordingly, if a third-party successfully challenges Caesars Entertainment or its affiliates' ownership of, or right to use, the Caesars-related marks or if CIE or CGP LLC is unable to stop unauthorized use of such marks, or if Caesars Entertainment or its affiliates use such marks in a way that negatively impacts the value of such marks, CIE's and CGP LLC's business or results of operations could be harmed.
CIE and CGP LLC have licensed the right to use certain trademarks and service marks owned or used by various affiliates of Caesars Entertainment, including Caesars World, Inc., Caesars License Company, LLC and CEOC. These licensed trademarks and service marks include, among others, "Caesars," "Harrah's," and "Total Rewards." CGP LLC's rights to use these trademarks and service marks are among its most valuable assets. Caesars World, Inc., Caesars License Company, LLC and CEOC filed for bankruptcy protection in January 2015, as more fully discussed in the risk factor above entitled "
A default by Caesars Entertainment on certain of its debt obligations could adversely affect CGP LLC's business, financial condition and operating results.
"
If the existing licensing arrangements were terminated and CGP LLC fails to enter into new arrangements in respect of these marks, CGP LLC could lose their rights to use these marks and the corresponding domain names, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and operating results. If a third-party successfully challenges Caesars Entertainment or its affiliates' ownership of, or right to use, these marks (including, for example, due to Caesars Entertainment or its affiliates' failure to file for protection of such marks), such a challenge could also have a material adverse effect on CIE's, and therefore CGP LLC's, business, financial condition and operating results.
In addition, these trademarks and service marks are used by Caesars Entertainment and its affiliates around the United States and internationally. Any negative events associated with the use of these marks by Caesars Entertainment or its affiliates may be out of CGP LLC's control, and may negatively impact the "Caesars," "Harrah's" or "Total Rewards" brands, which could harm CGP LLC's business and results of operations.
Failure by CES or CEOC and its subsidiaries to protect the trademarks, technology and other intellectual property that CGP LLC uses could have a negative impact on the value of CGPH's brand names and adversely affect our business. In addition, CES or CEOC and its subsidiaries may have the right to limit the expansion of scope or usage of our intellectual property.
CGP LLC currently licenses from CES and CEOC and its subsidiaries, intellectual property and technology material to its overall business strategy, and CGP LLC regards such intellectual property and technology to be an important element of its success. CGP LLC relies on CES and CEOC and its subsidiaries to seek to establish and maintain proprietary rights in such intellectual property and technology through the use of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws. In addition, CGP LLC relies on CES and CEOC and its subsidiaries to maintain the trade secrets and confidential information licensed to CGP LLC by nondisclosure policies and through the use of appropriate confidentiality agreements. Despite these efforts to protect the proprietary rights on which CGP LLC relies, parties may infringe such intellectual property and use licensed information and technology that CGP LLC regards as proprietary and CGPH's rights may be invalidated or unenforceable. Monitoring the unauthorized use of CGP LLC's licensed intellectual property and technology is difficult. Litigation by CEOC and its subsidiaries or CES, as applicable, may be necessary to enforce the intellectual property rights and other rights on which we rely or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation of this type could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources. We cannot assure you that all of the steps that CGP LLC, CEOC and its subsidiaries or CES have taken or will take to protect the licensed trademarks that CGP LLC uses in the United States will be adequate to prevent imitation of such trademarks by others. The unauthorized use or reproduction of the trademarks that CGPH uses could diminish the value of its brand and its market acceptance, competitive advantages or goodwill, which could adversely affect its business. In addition, the expansion of the scope or use of CGP LLC's intellectual property licensed from CEOC or CES, as applicable, in many cases is subject to the consent of CEOC or CES. Accordingly, CGP LLC may not be able to take advantage of new applications or uses of these licensed trade names, trademarks or other intellectual property without the consent of CEOC or CES, which may adversely affect CGP LLC's ability to compete or expand its business scope.
CIE may be reliant on Caesars Entertainment or CEOC to obtain online gaming licenses in many commercial jurisdictions and if the affiliation is terminated, or costs to maintain such affiliation exceed revenue generated from such affiliation, it would adversely affect CIE's, and therefore CGP LLC's, business and results of operations.
Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey have enacted laws that require online casinos to also have a license to operate a brick-and-mortar casino, either directly or indirectly through an affiliate. If, like Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey, other U.S. jurisdictions enact legislation legalizing real money casino gaming subject to this brick-and-mortar requirement, CIE may be unable to offer online real money gaming in such jurisdictions if CIE does not have or is unable to establish an affiliation with a brick-and-mortar casino in such jurisdiction. If CIE is able to offer online real money gaming in such jurisdictions because of CIE's affiliation with Caesars Entertainment or CEOC, CIE will be reliant on continuing its relationship with Caesars Entertainment or CEOC, and there can be no assurances that Caesars Entertainment or CEOC will continue to maintain such affiliation. If CIE's affiliation with Caesars Entertainment or CEOC is terminated or the costs to maintain such affiliation exceed
revenue generated from online real money gaming, it would adversely affect CIE's, and therefore CGP LLC's, business and results of operations.
A bankruptcy court may conclude that each of the formation transactions and the Asset Purchase Transactions constitutes a financing rather than a true sale, and as a result we would no longer have ownership and control over assets sold or contributed to CGP LLC to the same extent as we do now.
Caesars Entertainment and its consolidated subsidiaries, as well as CEOC and its consolidated subsidiaries, have reported significant net losses during the past three fiscal years. In a bankruptcy of Caesars Entertainment or any of its subsidiaries (such as the bankruptcy proceeding of CEOC and certain of its subsidiaries that was filed in January 2015) that sold or contributed assets to CGP LLC, including CEOC, the court may conclude that each of the formation transactions and the Asset Purchase Transactions constitutes a disguised financing rather than a true sale. In such case, the court would deem CGP LLC's assets as belonging to Caesars Entertainment, and consider us to be a lender to Caesars Entertainment or its subsidiaries to the extent of the purchase price CGP LLC paid for those assets. While we should have a claim against Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries for the amounts paid to them for the assets, we would no longer have ownership and control over the assets to the same extent as we do now. Moreover, if our claim against Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries is considered a financing, no guarantee exists that our claim will be deemed a secured claim entitled to a priority right of repayment from the assets, rather than a general unsecured claim against Caesars Entertainment's or CEOC's bankruptcy estate that shares pro rata with other creditors in any recovery from the residual value of the bankruptcy estate. Finally, a risk exists that any such claim might be primed in favor of a debtor-in-possession financing, or that the court might equitably subordinate our claim to those of other creditors, recharacterize the claim as equity or otherwise not allow the claim (including on equitable grounds).
A bankruptcy court may substantively consolidate the bankruptcy estates of Caesars Entertainment and its debtor subsidiaries with CGP LLC, which would, among other things, allow the creditors of the bankrupt entities to satisfy their claims from the combined assets of the consolidated entities, including CGP LLC.
Even though CGP LLC has certain bankruptcy remote features that restrict its ability to file for bankruptcy relief, there can be no assurance that a bankruptcy court will not direct CGP LLC's or any of its subsidiaries' substantive consolidation with Caesars Entertainment or a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment in a bankruptcy case of Caesars Entertainment (including the pending bankruptcy of CEOC and certain of its subsidiaries filed in January 2015) or such subsidiary even if CGP LLC or its subsidiaries do not themselves file a bankruptcy petition. CGP LLC's or its subsidiaries' substantive consolidation with Caesars Entertainment or its subsidiaries in their bankruptcy cases would, among other things, allow the creditors of the bankrupt entities to satisfy their claims from the combined assets of the consolidated entities, including CGP LLC and its subsidiaries. This may dilute the value of distributions available for recovery to CGP LLC's creditors, and may prevent recovery by our stockholders of any value at all if the combined creditor claims exceed the combined value of the entities. In addition, substantive consolidation with Caesars Entertainment or its subsidiaries' bankruptcies may subject our assets and operations to the automatic stay, and may impair CGP LLC's ability to operate independently, as well as otherwise restrict our operations and capacity to function as a standalone enterprise.
An independent investigation of the formation transactions and the Asset Purchase Transactions in connection with CEOC's bankruptcy is currently ongoing, which will expose our and CGP LLC's contractual relationships with Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries to heightened scrutiny.
The Bankruptcy Court previously engaged an independent examiner to investigate possible claims CEOC might have against CEC, CAC, CGP LLC, other entities and certain individuals. On March 15, 2016, the examiner released his report in redacted form (to the public) and in unredacted form (to certain entities and individuals). On May 16, 2016, the examiner issued a substantially unredacted version of his report. CAC, CGP LLC and CIE do not have access to the unredacted report, and accordingly the description below is based on the substantially unredacted publicly-available report.
The examiner's report identifies a variety of potential claims against CAC, CGP LLC, CIE, other entities and certain individuals related to a number of transactions dating back to 2009. Most of the examiner's findings are based on his view that CEOC was "insolvent" at the time of the applicable transactions. The examiner's report includes his conclusions on the relative strength of these possible claims, many of which are described in
Note 6
of the Notes to Financial Statements. The examiner calculates an estimated range of potential damages for these potential claims as against all parties from
$3.6 billion
to
$5.1 billion
. The examiner calculates an estimated range of potential damages for potential claims against CAC, CGP LLC and CIE from
$1.7 billion
to
$2.3 billion
, ignoring potential duplication of recovery from other defendants. Neither calculation takes into account probability of success, likelihood of collection, or the time or cost of litigation.
Although this report was prepared at the request of the Bankruptcy Court, none of the findings are legally binding on the Bankruptcy Court or any party. CAC, CGP LLC and CIE contest many of the examiner's findings, including his finding that CEOC did not receive fair value for assets transferred, any suggestion that certain of the potential claims against CAC, CGP LLC and CIE have merit, and his calculation of potential damages. CAC, CGP LLC and its subsidiaries believe that each of the
disputed transactions involving them provided substantial value to CEOC that was reasonably equivalent to the value of the asset(s) transferred, and that they at all times acted in good faith.
On June 28, 2016, an order approving the disclosure statement and an order approving solicitation procedures for creditors to vote on the third amended joint plan of reorganization were entered in the bankruptcy court. On October 19, 2016, the objection and voting deadline for the third amended joint plan of reorganization was scheduled for November 21, 2016. The confirmation hearing for the third amended joint plan was held on January 17, 2017, where the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the CEOC restructuring plan. CEOC believes that the restructuring plan may become effective as early as May 2017.
We are subject to fraudulent transfer litigation that, if adversely decided, may require us to return the assets acquired in the formation transactions and the Asset Purchase Transactions, or their value, to Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries.
Creditors of Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries have sued CAC and CGP LLC under state law in an effort to recover, for their benefit, the assets CGP LLC acquired in the formation transactions and the Asset Purchase Transactions as fraudulent transfers. See
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
-
CEOC Bondholder Litigation, or Noteholder Disputes
for a discussion of these proceedings. As a general matter, fraudulent transfer law allows a creditor to recover assets, or their value, from an initial or subsequent transferee if the debtor conveyed the assets with an actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud its creditors, or if the transfer was a constructive fraudulent transfer. The principal elements of a constructive fraudulent transfer are a transfer, made while a debtor was insolvent or that rendered a debtor insolvent, for less than reasonably equivalent value.
CAC and CGP LLC strongly believe there is no merit to the actions described in
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
-
CEOC Bondholder Litigation, or Noteholder Disputes
and CAC and CGP LLC will defend themselves vigorously and seek appropriate relief should any action be brought. However, in the CEOC Bondholder Litigation, or Noteholder Disputes, plaintiffs seek, among other remedies, return to CEOC of six casino properties CGP LLC acquired in the formation transactions and the Asset Purchase Transactions for approximately
$3.1 billion
in cash and assumed debt. The six casino properties acquired in the formation transactions and the Asset Purchase Transactions are the only casino properties owned by CGP LLC and account for 100% of CGP LLC's revenue from casino operations. If CAC and CGP LLC lose the lawsuits described above, they may have to return the assets or their value to Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries, or be forced to pay additional amounts therefor. During the
twelve months ended December 31, 2016
, revenue from casino operations accounted for
97.3%
of CGP LLC's total net revenue. If CGP LLC were forced to return the casino properties to Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries, that could cause it to lose the benefit of substantial revenue generated by those properties. Additionally, if a court were to find that the transfers and sales in the formation transactions and the Asset Purchase Transactions were improper, that could trigger a default under the debt that we raised to finance these transfers. These consequences could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
CES may be subject to fraudulent transfer or other litigation that may result in its unwinding, or its licensing agreements with CEOC may otherwise be rescinded or terminated.
Creditors of Caesars Entertainment, CEOC and their subsidiaries may commence an action against CES under state or federal bankruptcy law in an effort to rescind, avoid or otherwise terminate, for their benefit, the licensing agreements CEOC entered into with CES. Alternatively, as CEOC and certain of its subsidiaries has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, they may reject their licensing agreements with CES. If CES can no longer enforce such licensing agreements, it may be unable to perform under its licensing agreements with CGP LLC and its subsidiaries. As a result, among other things, CGP LLC and its subsidiaries may no longer have access to the Total Rewards loyalty program and may no longer be able to use certain intellectual property, such as the Caesars trademark, which could have a material adverse effect on CAC and CGP LLC's business, financial condition and operating results.
Our operations depend on material contracts with third parties, including Caesars Entertainment, the continued enforcement of which may be adversely impacted by a bankruptcy of Caesars Entertainment or CES
.
A debtor operating under the protection of the Bankruptcy Code may exercise certain rights that may adversely affect our contractual relations and ability to participate in the Caesars Entertainment system. For example, the protection of the statutory automatic stay which arises by operation of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code upon the commencement of a bankruptcy case prohibits us from terminating a contract with CEOC or any of its debtor subsidiaries. The Bankruptcy Code also invalidates clauses that permit the termination of contracts automatically upon the filing by one of the parties of a bankruptcy petition or which are conditioned on a party's insolvency. Meanwhile in this circumstance, we would ordinarily be required to continue performing our obligations under such agreement. As a practical matter, legal proceedings to obtain relief from the automatic stay and to enforce rights to payments or terminate agreements can be time consuming, costly and uncertain as to outcome.
In addition, under Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, a debtor may decide whether to assume or reject an executory contract, including the CGP LLC Management Services Agreement, the management contracts for all of the casino properties owned by CGP LLC, the shared service agreement with CIE, or any licensing agreement with CES. Assumption of a contract
would permit the debtor to continue operating under the assumed contract; provided that the debtor (i) immediately cures all existing defaults thereunder or provides adequate assurance that such defaults will be promptly cured, (ii) compensates the non-debtor party for any actual monetary loss incurred as a result of the debtor's default or provides adequate assurance that such compensation will be forthcoming and (iii) provides the non-debtor party with adequate assurance of future performance under the contract. As a general matter, a bankruptcy court approves a debtor's assumption of a contract as long as assumption appears to be in the best interest of the debtor's estate, the debtor is able to perform and it is a good business decision to assume the contract. Subject to bankruptcy court approval and satisfaction of the "business judgment" rule, a debtor in Chapter 11 may reject an executory contract, and rejection of an executory contract in a Chapter 7 case may occur automatically by operation of law. If a debtor rejects an executory contract, the non-debtor party to the contract generally has an unsecured claim against the debtor's bankruptcy estate for breach of contract damages arising from the rejection. On request of any party to such contract, a bankruptcy court may order the debtor to determine within a specific period of time whether to assume or reject an executory contract.
Further, CEOC and its subsidiaries that filed for bankruptcy protection, as debtors, may seek bankruptcy court approval to assume material contracts, including among others, the CGP LLC Management Services Agreement, the Omnibus Agreement, the CIE Cross-Marketing Agreement or other valuable license agreements under Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code and may also seek to assign such agreement to a third-party. A debtor may also seek to reject such contracts. If CEOC, for example, rejects the Omnibus Agreement, CES may not be able to provide us operational support and management expertise, with the result that we may lack sufficient support to manage our operations, and may no longer be able to use certain licensed intellectual property, such as certain trademarks.
In addition, Caesars Entertainment, if it were to become a debtor for a bankruptcy, may attempt to reject the CGP Operating Agreement as an executory contract. This might affect our continued existence and other corporate governance rights. It may also relieve Caesars Entertainment from performing its obligations under CGP LLC's limited liability company agreement, including honoring its obligations under the liquidation right and call right.
Claims of our stockholders and CGP LLC against Caesars Entertainment or CEOC in a Caesars Entertainment or CEOC bankruptcy might be equitably subordinated or disallowed.
Bankruptcy law allows the court to equitably subordinate claims to those of other creditors or equity holders based on inequitable conduct. A bankruptcy court may also recharacterize a claim for debt as equity, or not allow a claim for other reasons including on equitable grounds. Claims of insiders, including stockholders, are subject to heightened scrutiny and a court may find inequitable conduct in the form of overreaching or self-dealing transactions. If a claim is subordinated to those of other creditors, or recharacterized as equity, the claim will likely receive no distribution from the bankruptcy estate unless the estate has enough assets to satisfy the non-subordinated creditors in full; a claim that is disallowed would not share in recoveries from the estate to the extent of such disallowance. The equitably subordinated or disallowed claim need not necessarily relate to the inequitable conduct. Therefore, a damages claim arising from the rejection of an executory contract may be subordinated or disallowed based on conduct wholly unrelated to the contractual relationship itself. Under these principles, should a court determine that they are triggered in the bankruptcy of CEOC or in a bankruptcy of CEC, if one were to occur, claims of our stockholders and CGP LLC, including claims based on notes issued by Caesars Entertainment or CEOC or guarantees by Caesars Entertainment, may not share ratably with claims from other general unsecured creditors or may be disallowed.
Following assignment of the management agreements to CES upon its commencing operations as of October 1, 2014, CGPH is dependent upon CES to operate CGPH's properties.
Each of CGPH's properties is managed by CES. CGPH is dependent upon CES to provide the services necessary to operate CGPH's properties. CGPH does not have a history of operating casinos. Therefore, CGPH's properties are dependent on the services provided by CES and CGPH cannot operate CGPH's properties without these services. If the quality of the services provided by CES deteriorates, or the terms under which CES provides services change in a manner that is adverse to CGPH, it could have a material adverse effect on CGPH's business, financial condition and operating results. Following the commencement of operations and receipt of regulatory approvals for CES, at CGPH's request, the property management agreements were assigned to CES. CES is a newly formed entity and will not receive the management fees under the property management agreements. Furthermore, CES is dependent upon its members (CGPH, CEOC and CERP) to provide it with the operating funds and capital requirements (the allocation of which shall be based on each member's ownership interest in CES) necessary to provide services under the property management agreements. If any of the members of CES fail to provide it with the operating funds necessary to operate CES, CES may not be able to fully provide the services required by the property management agreements to operate CGPH's properties.
In addition, if the property management agreements were to be terminated, or if CES were to suffer significant liquidity or operational difficulties, becoming incapable of providing property management services (or unable to provide such services at agreed upon level) to CGPH or cease operations altogether, CGPH may be unable to continue to operate its properties, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
If a court were to find in favor of the claimants in the Noteholder Disputes, it would likely have a material adverse effect on CEC's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and, absent an intervening event, a reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code would likely be necessary due to the limited resources available at CEC to resolve such matters. The significant amounts CEC has agreed to pay in connection with CEOC's reorganization raise substantial doubt about CEC's ability to continue as a going concern. In addition, CEC estimates that it will require additional sources of funding to meet the ongoing financial commitments of the CEC holding company for amounts other than committed to under the RSAs.
CEC is subject to a number of Noteholder Disputes related to various transactions that CEOC has completed since 2008. Plaintiffs in certain of these actions raise allegations of breach of contract, intentional and constructive fraudulent transfer, and breach of fiduciary duty, among other claims. Although the Delaware First Lien Lawsuit has been subject to a consensual stay pursuant to the First Lien Bond RSA since CEOC's filing for Chapter 11, and the Delaware Second Lien Lawsuit is not proceeding with respect to fraud or breach of fiduciary duty claims, should a court find in favor of the plaintiffs on such claims in any of the Noteholder Disputes, including the New York First Lien Lawsuit, the New York Second Lien Lawsuit or the Senior Unsecured Lawsuits, the transactions at issue in those lawsuits may be subject to rescission and/or CEC may be required to pay damages to the plaintiffs. In the event of an adverse outcome on one or all of these matters, it is likely that a reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code would be necessary for CEC due to the limited resources available at CEC to resolve such matters.
A number of the Noteholder Disputes also involve claims that CEC is liable for all amounts due and owing on certain notes issued by CEOC, based on allegations that provisions in the governing indentures pursuant to which CEC guaranteed CEOC's obligations under those notes remain in effect (the "Guarantee Claims"). Such Guarantee Claims were most recently raised against Caesars Entertainment in the New York Senior Notes Lawsuit. Adverse rulings on the Guarantee Claims in this action or any of the other Noteholder Disputes could negatively affect CEC's position on such Guarantee Claims in other Noteholder Disputes, or with respect to potential claims by other holders of certain other notes issued by CEOC. If the court in any of these Noteholder Disputes were to find in favor of the plaintiffs on the Guarantee Claims, CEC may become obligated to pay all principal, interest, and other amounts due and owing on the notes at issue. If CEC became obligated to pay amounts owed on CEOC's indebtedness as a result of the Guarantee Claims, it is likely that a reorganization of CEC under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code would be necessary due to the limited resources available at CEC to resolve such matters. However, on January 26, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court ordered the stay of the Guarantee Claims to remain in effect until the earlier of (a) the effective date of the plan of reorganization confirmed on January 17, 2017, (b) the termination of any restructuring support agreement with the Official Committee of Second Priority Noteholders, or (c) further order of the Bankruptcy Court.
In addition to the liquidity issues raised as a result of complying with the material commitments CEC made under the RSAs, CEC estimates that it will require additional sources of funding to meet the ongoing financial commitments of the CEC holding company for amounts other than committed to under the RSAs, primarily resulting from significant expenditures made to (1) defend CEC against the matters disclosed in "Legal Proceedings" and (2) support CEOC's plan of reorganization. As a result of the foregoing, there is substantial doubt about CEC's ability to continue as a going concern, which could have a materially adverse effect on CAC and CGP LLC, and could also have a material adverse effect on the Proposed Merger.
Risks Related to Caesars Growth Partners, LLC's Business
CGP LLC may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of current or potential future acquisitions.
On May 20, 2014, we closed a transaction whereby CGPH, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CGP LLC acquired from Caesars Entertainment certain of its properties and related assets as more fully described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. There are incremental risks and uncertainties related to the formation transactions and the Asset Purchase Transactions contemplated thereunder, many of which are outside of our control, including the following:
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the diversion of our management's attention from our ongoing business concerns;
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the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us and/or others relating to the formation transactions; and
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the amounts of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the Asset Purchase Transactions.
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For example, we and CGP LLC have been named in
two
separate lawsuits related to the Asset Purchase Transactions, as more fully described in
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
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CEOC Bondholder Litigation, or Noteholder Disputes
.
In addition, CGP LLC's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, including, but not limited to the Asset Purchase Transactions, will depend, in part, on its ability to integrate the businesses acquired with its business. The combination of two independent companies is a complex, costly and time consuming process. This process may disrupt the business of either
or both of the companies, and may not result in the full benefits expected. The difficulties of combining the operations of two companies include, among others:
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coordinating marketing functions;
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undisclosed liabilities;
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unanticipated issues in integrating information, communications and other systems;
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unanticipated incompatibility of purchasing, marketing and administration methods;
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retaining key employees;
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consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures;
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the diversion of management's attention from ongoing business concerns;
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coordinating geographically separate organizations; and
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obtaining all necessary gaming regulatory approvals.
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CGP LLC may sell or divest different properties or assets as a result of its evaluation of its portfolio of businesses. Such sales or divestitures could affect CGP LLC's costs, revenues, profitability and financial position.
From time to time, CGP LLC may evaluate its properties and portfolio of businesses and may, as a result, sell or attempt to sell, divest or spin-off different properties or assets. For example, on September 23, 2016, CIE sold its social and mobile games business.
These sales or divestitures may affect its costs, revenues, profitability, and financial position. Divestitures have inherent risks, including possible delays in closing transactions (including potential difficulties in obtaining regulatory approvals), the risk of lower-than-expected sales proceeds for the divested businesses, and potential post-closing claims for indemnification. In addition, current economic conditions and relatively illiquid real estate markets may result in fewer potential bidders and unsuccessful sales efforts. Expected costs savings, which are offset by revenue losses from divested properties, may also be difficult to achieve or maximize.
CGP LLC may require additional capital to support business growth, and this capital might not be available on acceptable terms or at all.
CGP LLC intends to continue to make significant investments to support its business growth and may require additional funds to respond to business challenges, expand into new markets, develop new games and features or enhance CIE's existing games, improve its operating infrastructure or acquire complementary businesses, personnel and technologies. Accordingly, CAC and CGP LLC may need to engage in equity or debt financings to secure additional funds. If CAC raises additional funds through future issuances of equity or convertible debt securities, our existing stockholders could suffer significant dilution, and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to those of holders of our Class A common stock. Any debt financing we or CGP LLC secure in the future could involve restrictive covenants relating to capital raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities, including potential acquisitions. CAC and CGP LLC are recently formed entities and may not be able to obtain additional financing on favorable terms, if at all. For instance, the lack of operating history and relationship with Caesars Entertainment may impede CGP LLC's ability to raise debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, if at all, and there can be no assurances that we could pursue a future offering of securities at an appropriate price to raise the necessary financing. If CAC and CGP LLC are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to them when they require it, their ability to continue to support CGP LLC's business growth and to respond to business challenges could be significantly impaired, which could have a material adverse effect on CGP LLC's, business, financial condition and operating results.
CAC and CGP LLC do not have restrictions on their ability to raise debt and may highly leverage their capital structure, which could adversely affect CGP LLC's ability to pursue certain opportunities.
CAC and CGP LLC have no restrictions on their ability to raise a significant amount of debt financing and/or alter their capital structures. Should CAC or CGP LLC significantly leverage themselves, CAC or CGP LLC will be subject to considerable interest payment expenses that could adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing. Further, once CAC has a highly leveraged capital structure, CGP LLC may lose certain advantages it has against competitors that have similar capital structures that makes pursuing new, capital-intensive opportunities more challenging.
We may not realize any or all of our projected cost savings, which would have a negative effect on our results of operations.
As part of our business strategy, CEC and CES have implemented certain cost savings programs and are in the process of identifying opportunities to improve profitability by reducing costs. For example, Caesars Entertainment and CES have identified cost savings, a portion of which would directly reduce our expenses. Any cost savings that we realize from such efforts
may differ materially from our estimates. In addition, any cost savings that we realize may be offset, in whole or in part, by reductions in revenues, or through increases in other expenses. For example, cutting advertising or marketing expenses may have an unintended negative affect on our revenues. These cost savings plans are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that may change at any time. We cannot assure you that cost-savings initiatives will be completed as anticipated or that the benefits we expect will be achieved on a timely basis or at all.
Our historical financial information may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.
The historical financial information we have included in this Form
10-K
has been prepared using assumptions and allocations that we believe are reasonable. However, such historical financial information does not necessarily reflect what our financial position, results of operations and cash flows would have been as a stand-alone entity separate from Caesars Entertainment during the periods presented. In addition, the historical information is not necessarily indicative of what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows will be in the future.
CGP LLC's business may be subject to seasonal fluctuations which could result in volatility or have an adverse effect on the market price of our Class A common stock.
CGP LLC's business may be subject to some degree of seasonality. In the case of CGP LLC's casino properties, weather conditions may deter or prevent customers from reaching the facilities or undertaking trips. Such conditions would particularly affect customers who are traveling longer distances to visit CGP LLC's casino properties. We believe the number of customer visits to CGP LLC's casino properties will fluctuate based on the season, with winter months experiencing lower visitation; however, volume of business generated by our Las Vegas properties is generally lower during the summer months. Seasonality may cause CGP LLC's casino properties working capital cash flow requirements to vary from quarter to quarter depending on the variability in the volume and timing of sales. These factors, among other things, make forecasting more difficult and may adversely affect CGP LLC's casino properties ability to manage working capital and to predict financial results accurately, which could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.
There may be a significant degree of difficulty in operating CGP LLC's businesses separately from Caesars Entertainment, and managing that process effectively could require a significant amount of management's time.
The separation from Caesars Entertainment could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the operation of CGP LLC's businesses. Management may be required to devote considerable amounts of time to the separation, which will decrease the time they will have to manage their ordinary responsibilities. If management is not able to manage the separation effectively, or if any significant business activities are interrupted as a result of the separation, CGP LLC's businesses and operating results could suffer.
We will be allocated taxable income from CGP LLC for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of whether we receive corresponding cash distributions from CGP LLC to pay our tax liability.
Because CGP LLC is a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be allocated taxable income from CGP LLC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for each fiscal year according to the terms of the CGP Operating Agreement. We will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on such income at the current U.S. federal corporate income tax rate, regardless of whether CGP LLC makes corresponding cash distributions to us to pay our tax liability. The CGP Operating Agreement provides for quarterly cash tax distributions (other than in connection with a liquidation or certain partial liquidations) to be made to us and Caesars Entertainment, but there is no guarantee that such tax distributions (or other cash distributions from CGP LLC) will be sufficient for us to pay our tax liabilities.
There are no assurances that there will be future development opportunities for CGP LLC or that CGP LLC will obtain a development project.
CGP LLC's ability to expand into new markets to pursue development opportunities depends on passage of legislation that legalizes gambling in new markets and Caesars Entertainment not exercising its right of first offer. Although in the past few years a number of states have passed legislation permitting the development of gaming facilities, there can be no assurances that such trend will continue, and it is possible that legislatures and public sentiment will turn against permitting the development of gaming facilities. Should the states pass no additional legislation for issuing licenses or permitting the development of gaming facilities, CGP LLC will be unable to pursue development opportunities in new markets. Moreover, even if new markets open up, there can be no assurances that Caesars Entertainment and/or CGP LLC will be successful in the bid process for any new development opportunities; therefore, there can be no assurances that CGP LLC will be able to enter those new markets. For example, CGP LLC recently bid for a gaming license in the State of New York but was not selected. Further, there can be no assurances that Caesars Entertainment will not exercise its right of first refusal, thereby depriving CGP LLC of access to any potential development project.
CGP LLC and CAC are subject to extensive governmental regulation and taxation policies, the enforcement of which could adversely impact CGP LLC's business, financial condition and results of operations.
CGP LLC and CAC are subject to extensive gaming regulations and political and regulatory uncertainty. Regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions where CGP LLC operates have broad powers with respect to the licensing of casino operations and may revoke, suspend, condition or limit the gaming or other licenses of CGP LLC's casino properties or developments, impose substantial fines and take other actions, any one of which could adversely impact CGP LLC's business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, regulatory authorities in one or more jurisdictions may require CGP LLC or CAC to obtain new licenses in connection with the formation transactions and the Asset Purchase Transactions or due to future changes in regulation. For instance, the Missouri Gaming Commission has required that CAC obtain certain licenses after the closing of the formation transactions even though CGP LLC does not operate in Missouri. The failure of CAC to maintain a license from the Missouri Gaming Commission could, among other things, result in the loss of Caesars Entertainment's gaming license in Missouri. If other jurisdictions require CGP LLC or CAC to obtain new licenses in connection with its operations, the formation of CES or due to future changes in regulation, and CGP LLC or CAC is unable to obtain those licenses, it could adversely impact CGP LLC's business, financial condition and results of operations. As another example, CGP LLC's ability to expand its operations at Harrah's New Orleans, which could include increasing the number of rooms at the hotel or opening new restaurants at the complex, is subject to regulatory approval, and any such proposal may or may not be approved.
As a result of CIE holding an online gaming license, its operations and activities are subject to various gaming laws and laws in Nevada and New Jersey. We also expect CIE to be subject to these or similar laws as CIE seeks additional licenses for online real money gaming in the United States if additional states legalize and regulate online gaming. For example, CIE has obtained a license in Nevada as an "operator of an interactive gaming system" and obtained regulatory approval to launch online poker in Nevada. In addition, CIE holds a license in New Jersey to operate internet gaming in New Jersey. Among these laws are various "suitability" requirements which could limit CIE's ability to conduct business with certain third parties, make certain acquisitions and otherwise freely conduct its business. The results of such restrictions could have a material adverse effect on CIE's, and therefore CGP LLC's, business, financial condition and operating results.
Furthermore, interpretations of laws and local regulations and ordinances on which CGP LLC and CAC rely may change or be made conditional on certain other factors, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, Harrah's New Orleans is currently subject to a local ordinance in New Orleans related to the minimum number of people who must be employed at Harrah's New Orleans. A change in the interpretation of this ordinance or a change in this ordinance could force a reevaluation of staffing at that property in a manner that could adversely affect the financial results of Harrah's New Orleans.
Furthermore, because CGP LLC and CAC are subject to regulation in each jurisdiction in which they operate, and because regulatory agencies within each jurisdiction review our compliance with gaming laws in other jurisdictions, it is possible that gaming compliance issues in one jurisdiction may lead to reviews and compliance issues in other jurisdictions.
From time to time, individual jurisdictions have also considered legislation or referendums, such as bans on smoking in casinos and other entertainment and dining facilities, which could adversely impact the operations of CGP LLC's casino properties. For example, Maryland law prohibits smoking inside the Horseshoe Baltimore facility. Additionally, the city council in New Orleans enacted an ordinance restricting smoking indoors in public places, including in Harrah's New Orleans, which went into effect in April 2015. The likelihood or outcome of similar legislation in such jurisdictions and referendums in the future cannot be predicted, though any smoking ban would be expected to negatively impact CGP LLC's financial performance.
The casino entertainment industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to the various jurisdictions in which casinos operate. From time to time, various state and federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, including increases in tax rates, which would affect the industry. If adopted, such changes could adversely impact CGP LLC's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Acts of terrorism, natural disasters, severe weather and political, economic and military conditions may impede CGP LLC's ability to operate or harm its financial results.
Terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility have created many economic and political uncertainties. For example, a substantial number of the customers of CGP LLC's casinos in Las Vegas and New Orleans use air travel for transportation to and from the casino. As a result of terrorist acts, domestic and international travel was severely disrupted, which resulted in a decrease in customer visits to Las Vegas and New Orleans. We cannot predict the extent to which disruptions in air or other forms of travel as a result of any further terrorist act, security alerts or war, uprisings, or hostilities in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan, or other countries throughout the world, will continue to directly or indirectly impact CGP LLC's business and operating results. As a consequence of the threat of terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility in the future, premiums for a variety of insurance products have increased, and some types of insurance are no longer available. If any such event were to affect our properties, we would likely be adversely impacted. In addition, natural and man-made disasters such as major fires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and oil spills, or severe or inclement weather affecting the ability of CGP LLC's casino
customers to travel can have a negative impact on its results of operations. In most cases, we have insurance that covers portions of any losses from a natural disaster, but it is subject to deductibles and maximum payouts in many cases. Although we may be covered by insurance from a natural disaster, the timing of our receipt of insurance proceeds, if any, is out of our control. In some cases, however, we may receive no proceeds from insurance. Additionally, a natural disaster affecting one or more of our properties may affect the level and cost of insurance coverage we may be able to obtain in the future, which may adversely affect our financial position. As our operations depend in part on our customers' ability to travel, severe or inclement weather can also have a negative impact on our results of operations.
Any violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or other similar laws and regulations could have a negative impact on us.
CGP LLC is subject to risks associated with doing business outside of the United States, which exposes CGP LLC to complex foreign and U.S. regulations inherent in engaging in a cross-border business and in each of the countries in which CGP LLC and its businesses transact business. CGP LLC is subject to requirements imposed by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and other anti-corruption laws that generally prohibit U.S. companies and their affiliates from offering, promising, authorizing or making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Violations of the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal and civil sanctions as well as other penalties and the SEC and U.S. Department of Justice have increased their enforcement activities with respect to the FCPA. Policies and procedures and employee training and compliance programs that CGP LLC has implemented to deter prohibited practices may not be effective in prohibiting our employees, contractors or agents from violating or circumventing our policies and the law. If the employees, contractors or agents of CGP LLC's casino properties or CIE fail to comply with applicable laws or company policies governing its international operations, CGP LLC may face investigations, prosecutions and other legal proceedings and actions which could result in civil penalties, administrative remedies and criminal sanctions. Any determination that CGP LLC has violated any anti-corruption laws could have a material adverse effect on CGP LLC's financial condition. Compliance with international and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to CGP LLC's international operations increase CGP LLC's cost of doing business in foreign jurisdictions. CGP LLC and its businesses also deal with significant amounts of cash in its operations and are subject to various reporting and anti-money laundering ("AML") regulations. Any violation of AML or regulations, on which in recent years, governmental authorities have been increasingly focused, with a particular focus on the gaming industry, by any of our resorts could have a negative effect on our results of operations. As an example, a major gaming company recently settled a U.S. Attorney investigation into its AML practices. In October 2013, CEOC's subsidiary, Desert Palace, Inc. (the owner of and referred to herein as Caesars Palace), received a letter from Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the United States Department of the Treasury ("FinCEN"), stating that FinCEN was investigating Caesars Palace for alleged violations of the Bank Secrecy Act to determine whether it is appropriate to assess a civil penalty and/or take additional enforcement action against Caesars Palace. Caesars Palace responded to FinCEN's letter in January 2014. Additionally, CEC was informed in October 2013 that a federal grand jury investigation regarding anti-money laundering practices of CEC and its subsidiaries had been initiated. CEC and Caesars Palace have been cooperating with FinCEN, the Department of Justice and the Nevada Gaming Control Board (the "GCB") on this matter. On September 8, 2015, FinCEN announced a settlement pursuant to which Caesars Palace agreed to an
$8 million
civil penalty for its violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, which penalty shall be treated as a general unsecured claim in Caesars Palace's bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, Caesars Palace agreed to conduct periodic external audits and independent testing of its AML compliance program, report to FinCEN on mandated improvements, adopt a rigorous training regime, and engage in a "look-back" for suspicious transactions. The terms of the FinCEN settlement were approved by the bankruptcy court on October 19, 2015. CEOC and the GCB reached a settlement on the same facts as above, wherein CEC agreed to pay
$1.5 million
and provide to the GCB the same information that is reported to FinCEN and to resubmit its updated AML policies. On September 17, 2015, the settlement agreement was approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission.
We are, or may become involved, in legal proceedings that if adversely adjudicated or settled, could impact our financial condition.
From time to time, CAC and CGP LLC are defendants in various lawsuits or other legal proceedings relating to matters incidental to our business. The nature of our business subjects CAC and CGP LLC to the risk of lawsuits filed by customers, past and present employees, competitors, business partners, and others in the ordinary course of business. As with all legal proceedings, however, no assurance can be provided as to the outcome of these matters and in general, legal proceedings can be expensive and time consuming. CAC and CGP LLC may not be successful in the defense or prosecution of these lawsuits, which could result in settlements or damages that could significantly impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
CAC and CGP LLC are defendants in certain legal proceedings, including the lawsuits relating to the Amended Merger Agreement and the Proposed Merger, as discussed in
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
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CEOC Bondholder Litigation, or Noteholder Disputes
. If a court were to find in favor of the claimants in these proceedings, such determination could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Our obligation to fund multi-employer pension plans to which we contribute may have an adverse impact on us.
We contribute to and participate in various multi-employer pension plans for employees represented by certain unions. We are required to make contributions to these plans in amounts established under collective bargaining agreements. We do not administer these plans and, generally, are not represented on the boards of trustees of these plans. The Pension Protection Act enacted in 2006, or the PPA, requires under-funded pension plans to improve their funding ratios. Based on the information available to us, some of the multi-employer plans to which we contribute are either "critical" or "endangered" as those terms are defined in the PPA. Specifically, the Pension Plan of the UNITE HERE National Retirement Fund is less than 65% funded. We cannot determine at this time the amount of additional funding, if any, we may be required to make to these plans. However, plan assessments could have an adverse impact on our results of operations or cash flows for a given period. Furthermore, under current law, upon the termination of a multi-employer pension plan, due to the withdrawal of all its contributing employers (a mass withdrawal), or in the event of a withdrawal by us, which we consider from time to time, we would be required to make payments to the plan for our proportionate share of the plan's unfunded vested liabilities, that would have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See also litigation between the National Retirement Fund and CEC described in
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
.
CGP LLC's Casino Properties and Developments business is particularly sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending resulting from downturns in the economy, the volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, adverse changes in the global economy and other factors which could negatively impact our financial performance and our ability to access financing.
Changes in discretionary consumer spending or consumer preferences are driven by factors beyond CGP LLC's control, such as perceived or actual general economic conditions; high energy, fuel and other commodity costs; the cost of travel; the potential for bank failures; a soft job market; an actual or perceived decrease in disposable consumer income and wealth; fears of recession and changes in consumer confidence in the economy; and terrorist attacks or other global events. CGP LLC's Casino Properties and Developments business is particularly susceptible to any such changes because CGP LLC's casino properties offers a highly discretionary set of entertainment and leisure activities and amenities. If discretionary consumer spending declines, then CGP LLC's results of operations will be adversely impacted.
The adverse conditions in certain local, regional, national and global markets have negatively affected CGP LLC and may continue to negatively affect CGP LLC in the future. During periods of economic contraction, CGP LLC's revenues may decrease while some of its costs remain fixed or even increase, resulting in decreased earnings. In addition, CGP LLC may also be unable to find additional cost savings to offset any decrease in revenues. Even an uncertain economic outlook may adversely affect consumer spending in CGP LLC's gaming operations and related facilities, as consumers spend less in anticipation of a potential economic downturn.
Theoretical win rates for CGP LLC's casino operations depend on a variety of factors, some of which are beyond its control.
The gaming industry is characterized by an element of chance. Accordingly, CGP LLC's casino properties employ theoretical win rates to estimate what a certain type of game, on average, will win or lose in the long run. In addition to the element of chance, theoretical win rates are also affected by the spread of table limits and factors that are beyond CGP LLC's control, such as a player's skill and experience and behavior, the mix of games played, the financial resources of players, the volume of bets placed and the amount of time players spend gambling. As a result of the variability in these factors, the actual win rates at the casino may differ from the theoretical win rates and could result in the winnings of CGP LLC's gaming customers exceeding those anticipated. The variability of these factors, alone or in combination, have the potential to negatively impact our actual win rates, which may adversely affect CGP LLC's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
CGP LLC's casino operations extend credit to its customers and may not be able to collect gaming receivables from its credit players.
CGP LLC's casino properties conduct their gaming activities on a credit basis as well as a cash basis, which credit is unsecured. Table games players are typically extended more credit than slot players, and high stakes players are typically extended more credit than patrons who tend to wager lower amounts. High-end gaming is more volatile than other forms of gaming, and variances in win-loss results attributable to high-end gaming may have a significant positive or negative impact on cash flow and earnings in a particular quarter.
CGP LLC's casino properties extend credit to those customers whose level of play and financial resources warrant, in the opinion of management, an extension of credit. These receivables could have a significant impact on our results of operations if deemed uncollectible. While gaming debts are evidenced by a credit instrument, including what is commonly referred to as a "marker," and judgments on gaming debts are enforceable under the current laws of the jurisdictions in which CGP LLC allows play on a credit basis and judgments in such jurisdictions on gaming debts are enforceable in all states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution, other jurisdictions may determine that enforcement of gaming debts is against public
policy. Although courts of some foreign nations will enforce gaming debts directly and the assets in the U.S. of foreign debtors may be reached to satisfy a judgment, judgments on gaming debts from U.S. courts are not binding on the courts of many foreign nations.
We face the risk of fraud and cheating.
Casino gaming customers may attempt or commit fraud or cheat in order to increase winnings. Acts of fraud or cheating could involve the use of counterfeit chips or other tactics, possibly in collusion with the employees of CGP LLC's casinos. Internal acts of cheating could also be conducted by employees through collusion with dealers, surveillance staff, floor managers or other casino or gaming area staff. Failure to discover such acts or schemes in a timely manner could result in losses in gaming operations. In addition, negative publicity related to such schemes could have an adverse effect on CGP LLC's reputation, potentially causing a material adverse effect on CGP LLC's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Because a majority of CGP LLC's major gaming resorts are concentrated on the Las Vegas Strip, we are subject to greater risks than a gaming company that is more geographically diversified.
Given that a majority of CGP LLC's major resorts are concentrated on the Las Vegas Strip, CGP LLC's business may be significantly affected by risks common to the Las Vegas tourism industry. For example, the cost and availability of air services and the impact of any events that disrupt air travel to and from Las Vegas can adversely affect our business. We cannot control the number or frequency of flights to or from Las Vegas, but CGP LLC relies on air traffic for a significant portion of its visitors. Reductions in flights by major airlines as a result of higher fuel prices or lower demand can impact the number of visitors to CGP LLC's resorts. Additionally, there is one principal interstate highway between Las Vegas and Southern California, where a large number of CGP LLC's customers reside. Capacity constraints of that highway or any other traffic disruptions may also affect the number of customers who visit CGP LLC's facilities.
CGP LLC's business is particularly sensitive to energy prices and a rise in energy prices could harm its operating results.
CGP LLC is a large consumer of electricity and other energy and, therefore, higher energy prices may have an adverse effect on its results of operations. Accordingly, increases in energy costs may have a negative impact on its operating results. Additionally, higher electricity and gasoline prices that affect its customers may result in reduced visitation to its resorts and a reduction in its revenues. CGP LLC may be indirectly impacted by regulatory requirements aimed at reducing the impacts of climate change directed at up-stream utility providers, as it could experience potentially higher utility, fuel, and transportation costs.
If we are unable to effectively compete against our competitors, our profits will decline.
The gaming industry is highly competitive and CGP LLC's competitors vary considerably in size, quality of facilities, number of operations, brand identities, marketing and growth strategies, financial strength and capabilities, and geographic diversity. CGP LLC also competes with other non-gaming resorts and vacation areas, and with various other entertainment businesses. Competitors in each market that CGP LLC participates may have greater financial, marketing, or other resources than CGP LLC does, and there can be no assurance that they will not engage in aggressive pricing action to compete with CGP LLC. Although we believe CGP LLC is currently able to compete effectively in each of the various markets in which we participate, we cannot ensure that CGP LLC will be able to continue to do so or that they will be capable of maintaining or further increasing their current market share. CGP LLC's failure to compete successfully in their various markets could adversely affect their business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.
In recent years, many casino operators have been reinvesting in existing markets to attract new customers or to gain market share, thereby increasing competition in those markets. As companies have completed new expansion projects, supply has typically grown at a faster pace than demand in some markets, including Las Vegas, CGP LLC's largest market, and competition has increased significantly. For example, SLS Las Vegas opened in August 2014 on the northern end of the Strip, and the Genting Group has announced plans to develop a casino and hotel called Resorts World Las Vegas, which is expected to open in 2019 on the northern end of the Strip. Also, in response to changing trends, Las Vegas operators have been focused on expanding their non-gaming offerings, including upgrades to hotel rooms, new food and beverage offerings, and new entertainment offerings. MGM's The Park and joint venture with AEG, T-Mobile Arena, located between New York-New York and Monte Carlo, opened in April 2016 and includes retail and dining options and a
20,000
seat indoor arena for sporting events and concerts. In addition, in June 2016, MGM announced that the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino will undergo
$450 million
in non-gaming renovations focused on room, food and beverage and entertainment enhancements and is expected to re-open in late 2018 as two newly branded hotels. There have also been proposals for other large scale non-gaming development projects in Las Vegas by various other developers. The expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of CGP LLC's competitors have increased competition in many markets in which they operate, and this intense competition is expected to continue. These competitive pressures have and are expected to continue to adversely affect CGP LLC's financial performance. Growth in consumer demand for non-gaming offerings could also negatively impact our gaming revenue.
In addition, in the mid-Atlantic region, existing casino resorts provide a number of gaming options for customers, thereby creating significant competition for Horseshoe Baltimore. The casino resorts in the mid-Atlantic region compete with each other on the basis of overall atmosphere, range of amenities, level of service, price, location, entertainment offered and size. Further, MGM National Harbor in Maryland opened in December 2016 and may draw additional customers away from Horseshoe Baltimore. In addition, in June 2016, Maryland Live! announced plans to invest
$200 million
to construct a new hotel with additional food and beverage and entertainment options adjacent to its casino. If Horseshoe Baltimore is unable to effectively compete with other regional casino resorts or keep customers, this inability may negatively affect Horseshoe Baltimore's, and therefore CGP LLC's, business and operations.
CGP LLC also competes with legalized gaming from casinos located on Native American tribal lands, primarily those located in California. While the competitive impact on CGP LLC's operations in Las Vegas from the continued growth of Native American gaming establishments in California remains uncertain, the proliferation of gaming in California and other areas located in the same regions as CGP LLC's properties could have an adverse effect on CGP LLC's results of operations.
In addition, certain states have legalized, and others may legalize, casino gaming in specific areas, including metropolitan areas from which we traditionally attract customers. A number of states have permitted or are considering permitting gaming, on Native American reservations and through expansion of state lotteries.
The current global trend toward liberalization of gaming restrictions and resulting proliferation of gaming venues could result in a decrease in the number of visitors to our Las Vegas facilities by attracting customers close to home and away from Las Vegas, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
The success of third parties adjacent to CGP LLC's properties is important to its ability to generate revenue and operate CGP LLC's business and any deterioration to their success could materially adversely affect our revenue and results of operations.
In certain cases, CGP LLC does not own the businesses and amenities adjacent to its properties. However, the adjacent third-party businesses and amenities stimulate additional traffic through its complexes. For example, the Grand Bazaar Shops located in front of Bally's Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Any decrease in the popularity of, or the number of customers visiting, these adjacent businesses and amenities may lead to a corresponding decrease in the traffic through our complexes, which would negatively affect CGP LLC's business and operating results. Further, if newly opened properties, such as The Cromwell, are not as popular as expected, CGP LLC will not realize the increase in traffic through CGP LLC's properties that it expects as a result of their opening, which would negatively affect its business projections.
CGP LLC's Casino Properties and Developments Business may be subject to material environmental liability, including as a result of unknown environmental contamination.
The Casino Properties and Developments Business is subject to certain federal, state and local environmental laws, regulations and ordinances which govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as emissions to air, discharges to streams and rivers and releases of hazardous substances and pollutants into the environment, as well as handling and disposal from municipal/non-hazardous waste, which also apply to current and previous owners or operators of real estate generally. Federal examples of these laws include the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Certain of these environmental laws may impose cleanup responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of or caused particular contamination or release of hazardous substances. Should unknown contamination be discovered on CGP LLC's property, or should a release of hazardous substances occur on CGP LLC's property, CGP LLC could be required to investigate and clean up the contamination and could also be held responsible to a governmental entity or third parties for property damage, personal injury or investigation and cleanup costs incurred in connection with the contamination or release, which may be substantial. Moreover, such contamination may also impair CGP LLC's ability to use the affected property. Such liability could be joint and several in nature, regardless of fault, and could affect CGP LLC even if such property is vacated. The potential for substantial costs and an inability to use the property could adversely affect our business.
Work stoppages and other labor problems could negatively impact our future profits.
Some of our employees are represented by labor unions and, accordingly, we are subject to the risk of work stoppages or other labor disruptions from time to time. We have two collective bargaining agreements covering stage production employees in Las Vegas expiring in 2017. We intend to negotiate renewal agreements for these two collective bargaining agreements and are hopeful that we will be able to reach agreements with the union without any work stoppage. Work stoppages and other labor disruptions could have a material adverse impact on our operations. Also, wage and/or benefit increases resulting from new labor agreements may be significant and could also have an adverse impact on our results of operations. From time to time, we have experienced attempts by labor organizations to organize certain of our non-union employees. To the extent that our non-union employees join unions, we could have greater exposure to risks associated with labor problems and could negatively impact our profits.
CGP LLC's insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all possible losses it could suffer, and, in the future, its insurance costs may increase significantly or it may be unable to obtain the same level of insurance coverage.
CGP LLC's casino properties may suffer damage to its property caused by a casualty loss (such as fire, natural disasters and acts of war or terrorism) that could severely disrupt its business or subject it to claims by third parties who are injured or harmed. Although CGP LLC maintains insurance (including property, casualty, terrorism and business interruption insurance), that insurance may be inadequate or unavailable to cover all of the risks to which its business and assets may be exposed. Should an uninsured loss or loss in excess of insured limits occur, it could have a significant adverse impact on CGP LLC's operations and revenues.
CGP LLC renews its insurance policies on an annual basis. If the cost of coverage becomes too high, CGP LLC may need to reduce its policy limits or agree to certain exclusions from its coverage in order to reduce the premiums to an acceptable amount. Among other factors, homeland security concerns, other catastrophic events or any change in the current U.S. statutory requirement that insurance carriers offer coverage for certain acts of terrorism could adversely affect available insurance coverage and result in increased premiums on available coverage (which may cause CGP LLC to elect to reduce its policy limits) and additional exclusions from coverage. Among other potential future adverse changes, in the future CGP LLC may elect to not, or may be unable to, obtain any coverage for losses due to acts of terrorism.
Planet Hollywood licenses the Planet Hollywood brand from affiliates of Robert Earl and there can be no assurances that the Planet Hollywood brand would not be negatively impacted by its use outside of our control.
Affiliates of Robert Earl license certain intellectual property relating to the operation of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino to Planet Hollywood. The license includes certain names and trademarks and the right to display certain memorabilia on the Planet Hollywood premises. Planet Hollywood has invested significant time and financing to establish its brand as a Hollywood-themed entertainment and non-gaming destination. The expiration or termination, or modification of the terms of this license may have a materially adverse effect on Planet Hollywood's, and therefore CGP LLC's, business, financial conditions and operating results.
In addition, the Planet Hollywood brand is used by affiliates of Robert Earl in Hollywood-themed restaurants, hotels and shops around the United States and internationally. Any negative events associated with the use of the Planet Hollywood brand with these restaurants and shops may be out of CGP LLC's control, and may negatively impact the brand's image for the Planet Hollywood casino, which could harm Planet Hollywood's, therefore CGP LLC's, business and results of operations.
The Maryland Joint Venture adds additional risk that may result in a material adverse effect on CGP LLC's business, financial condition and operating results.
CGP LLC indirectly holds approximately
40.9%
interest in the equity interests of Caesars Baltimore Investment Company, LLC (the "Maryland Joint Venture"). While CGP LLC can influence the ownership of the Maryland Joint Venture through its equity ownership, CGP LLC relies on the other equity partners for providing certain funding for the Maryland Joint Venture and there can be no assurances that the other equity partners will provide sufficient funding, or any funding at all, if needed. The failure of other equity partners in the Maryland Joint Venture to provide the appropriate level of funding may result in a material adverse effect on CGP LLC's business, financial condition and operating results.
Risks Related to Our Class A Common Stock
Caesars Entertainment's call right on our Class A common stock may result in you being forced to sell our Class A common stock at a disadvantageous time and will cause you to own stock of Caesars Entertainment. This call right may not occur at all due to the discretion of Caesars Entertainment or the inability of Caesars Entertainment to meet the conditions required to exercise such right.
After October 21, 2016, Caesars Entertainment has the right, which it may assign to any of its affiliates or to any transferee of all non-voting units of CGP LLC held by Caesars Entertainment, to acquire all or a portion of the voting units of CGP LLC (or, at our option, shares of CAC's Class A common stock) not otherwise owned by Caesars Entertainment at such time. As a result, you may be forced to sell your shares of CAC's Class A common stock on little notice and at a value that may cause you to realize a loss. The exercise of this right by Caesars Entertainment will result in you receiving consideration entirely or partly in the form of stock of Caesars Entertainment, which may be a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes in certain circumstances. If the exchange is not a tax-free reorganization, you may recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes on such exchange depending on the amount of cash and the value of the stock of Caesars Entertainment you receive in such exchange and the adjusted tax basis of your shares of CAC's Class A common stock. There can be no assurances that the stock of Caesars Entertainment will maintain its value from the time of Caesars Entertainment's exercise of the call right or be part of an active trading market. As a consequence, you may be forced to dispose of the stock of Caesars Entertainment at a great loss.
In addition, Caesars Entertainment may exercise the call right in its sole discretion, subject to meeting certain conditions, or Caesars Entertainment may decide to not exercise the call right for any reason whatsoever. Moreover, if Caesars Entertainment does not meet certain liquidity requirements, debt leverage ratio and other requirements, it will be unable to exercise the call right. The uncertainty as to the timing of the exercise of the call right, if at all, by Caesars Entertainment may adversely affect the trading value of our stock.
CGP LLC is required to be liquidated on April 21, 2022, which may result in you receiving less than the full value of your Class A common stock.
Following October 21, 2018 and until April 21, 2022, our Board will have the right to cause a liquidation of CGP LLC, including the sale or winding up of CGP LLC or other monetization of all of its assets. On April 21, 2022 (unless otherwise agreed by Caesars Entertainment and CAC), if our Board has not previously exercised its liquidation right, CGP LLC shall, and our Board shall cause CGP LLC to, effect a liquidation. Because the liquidation will occur on a set schedule, it is possible that regulations or market factors at the time of liquidation may impede the ability to liquidate the assets of CGP LLC. If CGP LLC is unable to liquidate portions of its assets, proceeds from the liquidation will be negatively impacted. Moreover, the forced liquidation does not preserve the flexibility to maximize the value of CGP LLC's assets in a sale by waiting for an advantageous time. In addition, CAC's allocable portion of the gain (if any) on the liquidation of the assets of CGP LLC will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rate. As a result, you may receive less than the full value of your Class A common stock should liquidation occur on April 21, 2022.
An active trading market for our Class A common stock may not develop.
Prior to our listing on the NASDAQ Global Select market on November 19, 2013, there had not been a public market for our Class A common stock. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in us will lead to the development of an active trading market or how liquid that market might become. The Sponsors own approximately
65.0%
of our Class A common stock and while the shares are eligible for resale, currently such shares are not available for the public market. As a result, our shares may be less liquid than the shares of other newly public companies or other public companies generally and there may be imbalances between supply and demand for our shares. As a result, our share price may experience significant volatility and may not necessarily reflect the value of our expected performance. If an active trading market does not develop, you may have difficulty selling any of our common stock that you buy. Consequently, you may not be able to sell our Class A common stock at prices equal to or greater than the price you paid.
Future sales or the possibility of future sales of a substantial amount of our Class A common stock may depress the price of shares of our Class A common stock.
Future sales or the availability for sale of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock in the public market could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our Class A common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through future sales of equity securities.
All of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock are eligible for resale under Rule 144 or Rule 701 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), subject to volume limitations, applicable holding period requirements and the lock-up agreements or other contractual restrictions related to certain of our stockholders.
We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Class A common stock or other securities or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of our Class A common stock or other securities, including future sales by Caesars Entertainment, will have on the market price of our Class A common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of Class A common stock (including shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Class A common stock.
The price and trading volume of our Class A common stock may fluctuate significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
The market price of our Class A common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume of our Class A common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. Volatility in the market price of our Class A common stock may prevent you from being able to sell your shares at or above the price you paid for your shares of Class A common stock. The market price for our Class A common stock could fluctuate significantly for various reasons, including:
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our operating and financial performance and prospects;
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news and events regarding CEOC's bankruptcy and negotiations with its creditors;
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the outcome of litigation against CEC and its affiliates;
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our quarterly or annual earnings or those of other companies in our industry;
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conditions that impact demand for the products and services of CGP LLC's businesses;
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the public's reaction to our press releases, other public announcements and filings with the SEC;
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changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities analysts who track our Class A common stock;
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market and industry perception of our success, or lack thereof, in pursuing our growth strategy;
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strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings;
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changes in government and environmental regulation, including gaming taxes;
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changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
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arrival and departure of key personnel;
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the small percentage of our shares that are publicly traded;
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changes in our capital structure;
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increases in market interests rates that would decrease the value of CGP LLC's fixed-rate securities;
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changes in the stock price of, or a restructuring of, Caesars Entertainment;
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sales of Class A common stock by us or affiliates of the Sponsors;
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the expiration of contractual lock-up agreements; and
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changes in general market, economic and political conditions in the United States and global economies or financial markets, including those resulting from natural disasters, terrorist attacks, acts of war and responses to such events.
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In addition, in recent years, the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant impact on the market price of securities issued by many companies, including companies in the gaming, lodging, hospitality and entertainment industries. The changes frequently appear to occur without regard to the operating performance of the affected companies. Hence, the price of our Class A common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with us, and these fluctuations could materially reduce our share price.
CGP LLC may incur impairments to goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, or long-lived assets which could negatively affect our future profits.
We review CGP LLC's goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets on an annual basis and during interim reporting periods in accordance with the authoritative guidance. Significant negative trends, reduced estimates of future cash flows, disruptions to our business, slower growth rates or lack of growth have resulted in write-downs and impairment charges in the past and, if one or more of such events occurs in the future, additional impairment charges may be required in future periods. If CGP LLC is required to record additional impairment charges, this could have a material adverse impact on its consolidated results of operations.
Hamlet Holdings controls us and their interests may conflict with or differ from your interests as a stockholder.
Hamlet Holdings beneficially owns approximately
65.0%
of our Class A common stock. Hamlet Holdings has the power to control our Board. Moreover, Hamlet Holdings has the ability to vote on any transaction that requires the approval of our stockholders, including the approval of significant corporate transactions such as mergers and the sale of substantially all of our assets. In addition, Hamlet Holdings, the members of which are comprised of individuals affiliated with the Sponsors, as of the date hereof beneficially owned a majority of Caesars Entertainment's common stock through an irrevocable proxy providing Hamlet Holdings with sole voting and sole dispositive power over those shares of stock that are held by funds affiliated with and controlled by the Sponsors and their co-investors, which gives them power to elect all of Caesars Entertainment's directors. As a result, even though an independent committee of the board of directors of Caesars Entertainment may make decisions with regard to development opportunities for CGP LLC, Hamlet Holdings is in a position to exert a significant influence over both of CAC and Caesars Entertainment and the direction of their business and operations.
The interests of Hamlet Holdings and the Sponsors could conflict with or differ from the interests of holders of our Class A common stock. Affiliates of the Sponsors are in the business of making or advising on investments in companies they hold, and may from time to time in the future acquire interests in or provide advice to businesses that directly or indirectly compete with certain portions of our business or are suppliers or customers of ours or may pursue acquisitions that may be complementary to our business, in which case and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us.
The concentration of ownership held by Hamlet Holdings could delay, defer or prevent a change of control of us or impede a merger, takeover or other business combination which another stockholder may otherwise view favorably. In addition, a sale of a substantial number of shares of stock in the future by Hamlet Holdings could cause our stock price to decline. So long
as Hamlet Holdings continues to beneficially own a significant amount of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Hamlet Holdings will continue to be able to exert strong influence over our decisions.
Our stockholders are subject to extensive governmental regulation and if a stockholder is found unsuitable by the gaming authority, that stockholder would not be able to beneficially own our Class A common stock directly or indirectly and we will have the right to redeem the Class A common stock of such disqualified holder.
In many jurisdictions, gaming laws can require any of our stockholders to file an application, be investigated and qualify or have his, her or its suitability determined by gaming authorities. Gaming authorities have very broad discretion in determining whether an applicant should be deemed suitable. Subject to certain administrative proceeding requirements, the gaming regulators have the authority to deny any application or limit, condition, restrict, revoke or suspend any license, registration, finding of suitability or approval, or fine any person licensed, registered or found suitable or approved, for any cause deemed reasonable by the gaming authorities. For additional information on the criteria used in making determinations regarding suitability, see "Gaming Regulation Overview" in Exhibit 99.2 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2015
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For example, under Nevada gaming laws, each person who acquires, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership of any voting security, or beneficial or record ownership of any non-voting security or any debt security, in a public corporation which is registered with the Nevada Gaming Commission, or the Gaming Commission, may be required to be found suitable if the Gaming Commission has reason to believe that his or her acquisition of that ownership, or his or her continued ownership in general, would be inconsistent with the declared public policy of Nevada, in the sole discretion of the Gaming Commission. Any person required by the Gaming Commission to be found suitable shall apply for a finding of suitability within 30 days after the Gaming Commission's request that he or she should do so and, together with his or her application for suitability, deposit with the GCB a sum of money which, in the sole discretion of the GCB, will be adequate to pay the anticipated costs and charges incurred in the investigation and processing of that application for suitability, and deposit such additional sums as are required by the GCB to pay final costs and charges.
Furthermore, any person required by a gaming authority to be found suitable, who is found unsuitable by the gaming authority, may not hold directly or indirectly the beneficial ownership of any voting security or the beneficial or record ownership of any non-voting security or any debt security of any public corporation which is registered with the gaming authority beyond the time prescribed by the gaming authority. Such a finding could result in an owner of our securities being required to dispose of their securities at prices less than the price paid for such securities. A violation of the foregoing may constitute a criminal offense. A finding of unsuitability by a particular gaming authority impacts that person's ability to associate or affiliate with gaming licensees in that particular jurisdiction and could impact the person's ability to associate or affiliate with gaming licensees in other jurisdictions. The Certificate of Incorporation contains provisions establishing the right to redeem our Class A common stock held by disqualified holders if such holder is determined by any gaming regulatory agency to be unsuitable.
Many jurisdictions also require any person who acquires beneficial ownership of more than a certain percentage of voting securities of a gaming company and, in some jurisdictions, non-voting securities, typically
5%
, to report the acquisition to gaming authorities, and gaming authorities may require such holders to apply for qualification or a finding of suitability, subject to limited exceptions for "institutional investors" that hold a company's voting securities for investment purposes only. Under Maryland gaming laws, we may not sell or otherwise transfer more than
5%
of the legal or beneficial interest in Horseshoe Baltimore without the approval of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, or the Maryland Commission, after the Maryland Commission determines that the transferee is qualified or grants the transferee an institutional investor waiver. Some jurisdictions may also limit the number of gaming licenses in which a person may hold an ownership or a controlling interest and in Maryland an individual or business entity may not own an interest in more than one video lottery facility. It is unclear whether and to what extent such prohibitions will apply to online real money gaming operations when and if such operations become legal in U.S. jurisdictions other than Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Your percentage ownership in us may be diluted in the future.
Your percentage ownership in CAC may be diluted in the future because of equity awards that may be granted to our directors, officers, employees and service providers in the future. We may decide to establish equity incentive plans that will provide for the grant of common stock-based equity awards to our directors, officers, employees and service providers. In addition, we may issue equity in order to raise capital or in connection with future acquisitions and strategic investments, which would dilute your percentage ownership.
Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Merger Agreement, it is anticipated that each share of our common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger will be converted into, and become exchangeable for, shares of CEC common stock in a ratio to ensure that holders of our common stock receive shares equal to 27% of the outstanding CEC common stock on a fully diluted basis. This will result in pro rata dilution to all holders of CAC common stock immediately prior to the closing of the Amended Merger Agreement.
Because we do not anticipate paying dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future, you should not expect to receive dividends on shares of our Class A common stock.
We have no present plans to pay cash dividends to our stockholders and, for the foreseeable future, intend to retain all of our earnings for use in our business. The declaration of any future dividends by us is within the discretion of our Board and will be dependent on our earnings, financial condition and capital requirements, as well as any other factors deemed relevant by our Board.
We are a parent company and our primary source of cash is and will be distributions from CGP LLC.
We are a parent company with limited business operations of our own. Our main asset is our units in CGP LLC. Accordingly, our primary sources of cash are dividends and distributions with respect to our ownership interests in CGP LLC. CGP LLC might not generate sufficient earnings and cash flow to pay dividends or distributions in the future.
We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the NASDAQ Marketplace rules and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
Hamlet Holdings controls a majority of our voting Class A common stock. As a result, we are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the NASDAQ corporate governance standards. Under the NASDAQ Marketplace rules, a company of which more than
50%
of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a "controlled company" and we have elected not to comply with certain NASDAQ corporate governance requirements, including:
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the requirement that we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors;
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the requirement that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors; and
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the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees.
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As a result of these exemptions, our nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees do not consist entirely of independent directors, and we are not required to have an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees. Accordingly, a holder of our Class A common stock will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the NASDAQ corporate governance requirements.
Our bylaws and certificate of incorporation contain provisions that could discourage another company from acquiring us and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management.
Provisions of our bylaws and our certificate of incorporation may delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which you might otherwise receive a premium for your shares. In addition, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace or remove our directors. These provisions include:
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establishing a classified board of directors;
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establishing limitations on the removal of directors;
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permitting only an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Board to fix the number of directors;
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prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;
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empowering only the board of directors to fill any vacancy on the board of directors, whether such vacancy occurs as a result of an increase in the number of directors or otherwise;
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eliminating the ability of stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders;
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prohibiting stockholders from acting by written consent if the Company ceases to be a "controlled company" under the NASDAQ Marketplace rules; and
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establishing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by stockholders at stockholder meetings.
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Together, these charter and statutory provisions could make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our common stock. Furthermore, the existence of the foregoing provisions, as well as the significant Class A Common Stock controlled by Hamlet Holdings, could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Class A Common Stock. They could also deter potential acquirers of our company, thereby reducing the likelihood that you could receive a premium for your Class A Common Stock in an acquisition.
We are an "emerging growth company" and our possible election to delay adoption of new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies may result in our financial statements not being comparable to those of other public companies. As a result of this and other reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our Class A common stock may be less attractive to investors.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act"), and we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies," including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act"), reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an "emerging growth company" can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards such that an "emerging growth company" can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies.
We have elected to delay such adoption of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we may not comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of other public companies.
We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an "emerging growth company." We will remain an "emerging growth company" until the earliest to occur of (i) the last day of the fiscal year during which our total annual gross revenues equal or exceed
$1.0 billion
, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of our initial public offering, (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than
$1.0 billion
in non-convertible debt or (iv) the date on which we are deemed a "large accelerated filer" under Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
We cannot predict if investors will find our Class A common stock less attractive because we will rely on certain of these exemptions. If some investors find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Class A common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
As a result of our becoming a company with publicly traded common stock, our expenses and administrative burden increased and will likely further increase particularly after we are no longer an "emerging growth company" as defined in the JOBS Act.
As a company with publicly traded common stock, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a company without a publicly traded equity security. In addition, our administrative staff is required to perform additional tasks. For example, we need to create or revise the roles and duties of our Board committees and retain a transfer agent. We are also required to hold an annual meeting for our stockholders, which will require us to expend resources to prepare, print and mail a proxy statement relating to the annual meeting.
In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related regulations implemented by the SEC and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank"), which amended the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, among other federal laws, are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming. Dodd-Frank, signed into law on July 21, 2010, effects comprehensive changes to the regulation of financial services in the United States and will subject us to additional federal regulation. We cannot predict with any certainty the requirements of the regulations ultimately adopted or how Dodd-Frank and such regulations will impact the cost of compliance for a company with publicly traded common stock. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to Dodd-Frank and other new and proposed rules and cannot predict or estimate the amount of the additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management's time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be harmed. We also expect that being a company with publicly traded common stock, these new rules and regulations will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our Board, particularly to serve on our audit committee, and qualified executive officers.
As discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form
10-K
, as an "emerging growth company" as defined in the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of certain temporary exemptions from various reporting requirements, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. When these exemptions cease to apply, we expect to incur additional expenses and devote increased management effort toward ensuring compliance with them. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur as a result of becoming a public company or the timing of such costs.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This Form
10-K
contains or may contain "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. You should not place undue reliance on such statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business strategy. These statements contain words such as "may," "will," "project," "might," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "would," "estimate," "continue," or "pursue," or the negative of these words or other words or expressions of similar meaning that may identify forward-looking statements and are found at various places throughout this Form
10-K
. These forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to future actions, new projects, strategies, future performance, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, and future financial results, wherever they occur in this Form
10-K
, are based on our current expectations about future events and are estimates reflecting the best judgment of CAC and CGP LLC's management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements.
Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified, and, consequently, the actual performance of CAC and CGP LLC may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We disclose important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Form
10-K
and the documents incorporated by reference. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors, as well as other factors described from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC (including the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained therein):
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•
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CAC and CGP LLC's dependence on Caesars Entertainment and its subsidiaries, including CES, to provide support and services, as well as CGP LLC's dependence on Caesars Entertainment's and CES' senior management's expertise and its participation in Caesars Entertainment's Total Rewards loyalty program;
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•
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the effects of a default by Caesars Entertainment or CEOC on certain debt obligations;
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•
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the ability of Caesars Entertainment to meet its financial obligations in light of its limited cash balances;
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•
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Caesars Entertainment's interests may conflict with CAC and CGP LLC's interests;
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•
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the adverse effects due to the bankruptcy filing of CEOC and certain of its subsidiaries;
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•
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the effects if a third-party successfully challenges Caesars Entertainment or its affiliates' ownership of, or right to use, the intellectual property owned or used by subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment, which CIE and CGP LLC license for use in its businesses;
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•
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CIE's reliance on subsidiaries of Caesars Entertainment to obtain online gaming licenses in certain jurisdictions, such as New Jersey;
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•
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the difficulty of operating CGP LLC's business separately from Caesars Entertainment and managing that process effectively could take up a significant amount of management's time;
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•
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CGP LLC's business model and short operating history;
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•
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the effects of any lawsuits against CAC, CGP LLC or CGPH related to the formation transactions, the Asset Purchase Transactions and the proposed CAC and Caesars Entertainment merger transaction;
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•
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the Proposed Merger may not be consummated on the terms contemplated or at all;
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•
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the adverse effects if extensive governmental regulation and taxation policies, which are applicable to CGP LLC, are enforced;
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•
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the effects of local and national economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy in general, and on the gaming industry in particular;
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•
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the sensitivity of CGP LLC's business to reductions in discretionary consumer spending;
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•
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the rapidly growing and changing industry in which CGP LLC operates, such as CIE's internet gaming business;
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•
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any failure to protect CGP LLC's trademarks or other intellectual property, such as CIE's ownership of the WSOP trademark;
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•
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abnormal gaming holds ("gaming hold" is the amount of money that is retained by the casino from wagers by customers);
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•
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the effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and market competition, particularly the intense competition CGP LLC's casino properties face in their respective markets;
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•
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the effect on CGP LLC's business strategy if online real money gaming is not legalized in states other than Delaware, Nevada or New Jersey in the United States, is legalized in an unfavorable manner or is banned in the United States;
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•
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political and economic uncertainty created by terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility; and
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•
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the other factors set forth under "
Risk Factors
."
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Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made. CAC and CGP LLC disclaim any obligation to update the forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date stated or, if no date is stated, as of the date of this Form
10-K
.
Item 2.
Properties
.
The following table sets forth information about our portfolio of casino properties, each of which is more fully described in
Item 1.
Business
, as of
December 31, 2016
:
Summary of Property Information
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Property
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Location
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Type of Casino
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Casino Space – Sq. Ft.
(1)
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Slot Machines
(1)
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Table Games
(1)
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Hotel Rooms & Suites
(1)
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Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
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Las Vegas, NV
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Land-based
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64,500
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1,080
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100
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2,500
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The Cromwell
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Las Vegas, NV
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Land-based
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40,000
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390
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50
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188
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The LINQ Hotel & Casino
(2)
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Las Vegas, NV
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Land-based
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31,900
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760
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70
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2,250
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Bally's Las Vegas
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Las Vegas, NV
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Land-based
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68,400
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1,000
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70
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2,810
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Harrah's New Orleans
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New Orleans, LA
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Land-based
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125,100
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1,580
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150
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450
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Horseshoe Baltimore
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Baltimore, MD
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Land-based
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122,000
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2,200
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180
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—
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Hot Spot Oasis
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Las Vegas, NV
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Land-based
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1,000
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15
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—
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—
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_________________________
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(2)
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Includes Strip-front property leased by an affiliate of Caesars Entertainment to The LINQ Hotel & Casino.
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CAC and CGP LLC use space in the corporate offices of CEOC for their corporate headquarters pursuant to a management services agreement with Caesars Entertainment. CAC and CGP LLC also lease office space in Santa Monica, California used for corporate functions.
We believe the space available for CAC and CGP LLC's businesses are adequate for their current needs.
CIE uses space in the corporate offices of CEOC for its corporate headquarters pursuant to a shared services agreement with Caesars Entertainment.
For greater detail on the properties, see
Item 1.
Business
.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
.
From time to time, CAC or CGP LLC may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business.
CAC-CEC Proposed Merger
On December 30, 2014, Nicholas Koskie, on behalf of himself and, he alleges, all others similarly situated, filed a lawsuit (the "Nevada Lawsuit") in the Clark County District Court in the State of Nevada against CAC, CEC and members of the CAC board of directors Marc Beilinson, Philip Erlanger, Dhiren Fonseca, Don Kornstein, Karl Peterson, Marc Rowan, and David Sambur (the individual defendants collectively, the "CAC Directors"). The Nevada Lawsuit alleges claims for breach of fiduciary duty against the CAC Directors and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty against CAC and CEC. It seeks (1) a declaration that the claim for breach of fiduciary duty is a proper class action claim; (2) to order the CAC Directors to fulfill their fiduciary duties to CAC in connection with the Proposed Merger, specifically by announcing their intention to (a) cooperate with bona fide interested parties proposing alternative transactions, (b) ensure that no conflicts exist between the CAC Directors' personal interests and their fiduciary duties to maximize shareholder value in the Proposed Merger, or resolve all such conflicts in favor of the latter, and (c) act independently to protect the interests of the shareholders; (3) to order the CAC Directors to account for all damages suffered or to be suffered by the plaintiff and the putative class as a result of the Proposed Merger; and (4) to award the plaintiff for his costs and attorneys' fees. It is unclear whether the Nevada Lawsuit also seeks to enjoin the Proposed Merger. On October 13, 2016, the Nevada Lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice by the court for lack of prosecution. On November 14, 2016, the deadline to seek reinstatement of the lawsuit lapsed, without action by the plaintiff. If the litigation is refiled, CAC and the CAC Directors believe this lawsuit is without merit and will defend themselves vigorously.
We cannot provide assurance as to the outcome of this matter or of the range of reasonably possible losses should this matter ultimately be resolved against us due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation and the stage of the related litigation.
CEOC Bondholder Litigation, or Noteholder Disputes
On August 4, 2014, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, solely in its capacity as successor indenture trustee for the
10%
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (the "Notes"), on behalf of itself and, it alleges, derivatively on behalf of
CEOC, filed a lawsuit (the "Delaware Second Lien Lawsuit") in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware against CEC, CEOC, CGP LLC, CAC, CERP, CES, Eric Hession, Gary Loveman, Jeffrey D. Benjamin, David Bonderman, Kelvin L. Davis, Marc C. Rowan, David B. Sambur, and Eric Press. The lawsuit alleges claims for breach of contract, intentional and constructive fraudulent transfer, breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, and corporate waste. The lawsuit seeks (1) an award of money damages; (2) to void certain transfers, the earliest of which dates back to 2010; (3) an injunction directing the recipients of the assets in these transactions to return them to CEOC; (4) a declaration that CEC remains liable under the parent guarantee formerly applicable to the Notes; (5) to impose a constructive trust or equitable lien on the transferred assets; and (6) an award to the plaintiffs for their attorneys' fees and costs. The only claims against CAC and CGP LLC are for intentional and constructive fraudulent transfer. CAC and CGP LLC believe this lawsuit is without merit and will defend themselves vigorously. A motion to dismiss this action was filed by CEC and other defendants in September 2014, and the motion was argued in December 2014. During the pendency of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, the action has been automatically stayed with respect to CEOC. The motion to dismiss with respect to CEC was denied on March 18, 2015. In a Verified Supplemental Complaint filed on August 3, 2015, the plaintiff stated that due to CEOC's bankruptcy filing, the continuation of all claims was stayed pursuant to the bankruptcy except for Claims II, III, and X. These are claims against CEC only, for breach of contract in respect of the release of the parent guarantee formerly applicable to the Notes, for declaratory relief in respect of the release of this guarantee, and for violations of the Trust Indenture Act in respect of the release of this guarantee. CEC has informed us that fact discovery in the case is substantially complete, and cross-motions for summary judgment have been filed by the parties. On October 5, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court granted CEOC's motion for a stay of this proceeding (and others). The Bankruptcy Court ordered the stay to remain in effect until the earlier of (a) the first omnibus hearing after the Bankruptcy Court issues its decision confirming or denying confirmation of the CEOC restructuring plan (February 15, 2017), (b) the termination of the restructuring support agreement with the Official Committee of Second Priority Noteholders (the "Second Lien RSA"), or (c) further order of the Bankruptcy Court.
On September 3, 2014, holders of approximately
$21 million
of CEOC Senior Unsecured Notes due 2016 and 2017 filed suit in federal district court in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against CEC and CEOC, claiming broadly that an August 12, 2014 Note Purchase and Support Agreement between CEC and CEOC (on the one hand) and certain other holders of the CEOC Senior Unsecured Notes (on the other hand) impaired their own rights under the Senior Unsecured Notes. The lawsuit seeks both declaratory and monetary relief. On October 2, 2014, other holders of CEOC Senior Unsecured Notes due 2016 purporting to represent a class of all holders of these Notes from August 11, 2014 to the present filed a substantially similar suit in the same court, against the same defendants, relating to the same transactions. Both lawsuits (the "Senior Unsecured Lawsuits") were assigned to the same judge. The claims against CEOC have been automatically stayed during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The court denied a motion to dismiss both lawsuits with respect to CEC. The parties have completed fact discovery with respect to both plaintiffs' claims against CEC. On October 23, 2015, plaintiffs in the Senior Unsecured Lawsuits moved for partial summary judgment, and on December 29, 2015, those motions were denied. On December 4, 2015, plaintiff in the action brought on behalf of holders of CEOC's
6.50%
Senior Unsecured Notes moved for class certification and briefing has been completed. The judge presiding over these cases thereafter retired, and a new judge was appointed to preside over these lawsuits. That judge set a new summary judgment briefing schedule, and the parties filed cross-motions for summary judgment which remain pending. On October 5, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court granted CEOC's motion for a stay of these proceedings (and others). The stay will remain in effect until the earlier of (a) the first omnibus hearing after the Bankruptcy Court issues its decision confirming or denying confirmation of the CEOC restructuring plan (February 15, 2017), (b) the termination of the Second Lien RSA or (c) further order of the Bankruptcy Court. CAC and CGP LLC are not parties to these lawsuits.
On November 25, 2014, UMB Bank ("UMB"), as successor indenture trustee for CEOC's
8.5%
senior secured notes due 2020, filed a verified complaint (the "Delaware First Lien Lawsuit") in Delaware Chancery Court against CEC, CEOC, CERP, CAC, CGP LLC, CES, and against an individual, and past and present members of the CEC and CEOC Boards of Directors, Gary Loveman, Jeffrey Benjamin, David Bonderman, Kelvin Davis, Eric Press, Marc Rowan, David Sambur, Eric Hession, Donald Colvin, Fred Kleisner, Lynn Swann, Chris Williams, Jeffrey Housenbold, Michael Cohen, Ronen Stauber, and Steven Winograd, alleging generally that defendants have improperly stripped CEOC of prized assets, have wrongfully affected a release of a CEC parental guarantee of CEOC debt and have committed other wrongs. Among other things, UMB has asked the court to appoint a receiver over CEOC. In addition, the Delaware First Lien Lawsuit pleads claims for fraudulent conveyances/transfers, insider preferences, illegal dividends, declaratory judgment (for breach of contract as regards to the parent guarantee and also as to certain covenants in the bond indenture), tortious interference with contract, breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, usurpation of corporate opportunities, and unjust enrichment, and seeks monetary and equitable as well as declaratory relief. CAC and CGP LLC believe this lawsuit is without merit and will defend themselves vigorously. All of the defendants have moved to dismiss the lawsuit, and that motion has been fully briefed. In addition, this lawsuit has been automatically stayed with respect to CEOC during the Chapter 11 process and, pursuant to the (a) Fifth Amended and Restated Restructuring Support and Forbearance Agreement dated October 7, 2015, with certain holders of claims in respect of claims under CEOC's first lien notes (the "First Lien Bond RSA") and (b) Restructuring Support and Forbearance Agreement dated August 21, 2015, with certain holders of claims in respect of claims under CEOC's first lien credit agreement
(the "First Lien Bank RSA" and, together with the First Lien Bond RSA, the "RSAs"), has been subject to a consensual stay for all.
On February 13, 2015, Caesars Entertainment received a Demand For Payment of Guaranteed Obligations (the "February 13 Notice") from Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, in its capacity as successor Trustee for CEOC's
10.00%
Second-Priority Notes. The February 13 Notice alleges that CEOC's commencement of its voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy case constituted an event of default under the indenture governing the
10.00%
Second-Priority Notes; that all amounts due and owing on the
10.00%
Second-Priority Notes therefore immediately became payable; and that Caesars Entertainment is responsible for paying CEOC's obligations on the
10.00%
Second-Priority Notes, including CEOC's obligation to timely pay all principal, interest, and any premium due on these notes, as a result of a parent guarantee provision contained in the indenture governing the notes that the February 13 Notice alleges is still binding. The February 13 Notice accordingly demands that Caesars Entertainment immediately pay Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, cash in an amount of not less than
$3.7 billion
, plus accrued and unpaid interest (including without limitation the
$184 million
interest payment due December 15, 2014 that CEOC elected not to pay) and accrued and unpaid attorneys' fees and other expenses. The February 13 Notice also alleges that the interest, fees and expenses continue to accrue. CAC and CGP LLC are not parties to this demand.
On February 18, 2015, Caesars Entertainment received a Demand For Payment of Guaranteed Obligations (the "February 18 Notice") from BOKF, N.A. ("BOKF"), in its capacity as successor Trustee for CEOC's
12.75%
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (the "
12.75%
Second-Priority Notes"). The February 18 Notice alleges that CEOC's commencement of its voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy case constituted an event of default under the indenture governing the
12.75%
Second-Priority Notes; that all amounts due and owing on the
12.75%
Second-Priority Notes therefore immediately became payable; and that CEC is responsible for paying CEOC's obligations on the
12.75%
Second-Priority Notes, including CEOC's obligation to timely pay all principal, interest and any premium due on these notes, as a result of a parent guarantee provision contained in the indenture governing the notes that the February 18 Notice alleges is still binding. The February 18 Notice therefore demands that CEC immediately pay BOKF cash in an amount of not less than
$750 million
, plus accrued and unpaid interest, accrued and unpaid attorneys' fees, and other expenses. The February 18 Notice also alleges that the interest, fees and expenses continue to accrue. CAC and CGP LLC are not parties to this demand.
On March 3, 2015, BOKF filed a lawsuit (the "New York Second Lien Lawsuit") against CEC in federal district court in Manhattan, in its capacity as successor trustee for CEOC's
12.75%
Second-Priority Notes. On June 15, 2015, UMB filed a lawsuit (the "New York First Lien Lawsuit") against CEC, also in federal district court in Manhattan, in its capacity as successor trustee for CEOC's
11.25%
Senior Secured Notes due 2017,
8.50%
Senior Secured Notes due 2020, and
9.00%
Senior Secured Notes due 2020. Plaintiffs in these actions allege that CEOC's filing of its voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy case constitutes an event of default under the indenture governing these notes, causing all principal and interest to become immediately due and payable, and that CEC is obligated to make those payments pursuant to a parent guarantee provision in the indentures governing these notes that plaintiffs allege are still binding. Both plaintiffs bring claims for violation of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, breach of contract, breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing and for declaratory relief and BOKF brings an additional claim for intentional interference with contractual relations. The cases were assigned to the same judge presiding over the other Parent Guarantee Lawsuits. CEC filed its answer to the BOKF complaint on March 25, 2015, and to the UMB complaint on August 10, 2015. On June 25, 2015, and June 26, 2015, BOKF and UMB, respectively, moved for partial summary judgment, specifically on their claims alleging a violation of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, seeking both declaratory relief and damages. On August 27, 2015, those motions were denied. The court, on its own motion, certified its order with respect to the interpretation of the Trust Indenture Act for interlocutory appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and on December 22, 2015, the appellate court denied CEC's motion for leave to appeal. On November 20, 2015, BOKF and UMB again moved for partial summary judgment. Those motions likewise were denied. The judge presiding over these cases thereafter retired, and a new judge was appointed to preside over these lawsuits. That judge set a new summary judgment briefing schedule, and the parties submitted cross-motions for summary judgment which remain pending. On October 5, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court granted CEOC's motion for a stay of the New York First Lien Lawsuit and the New York Second Lien Lawsuit (and others). The Bankruptcy Court ordered the stay to remain in effect until the earlier of (a) the first omnibus hearing after the Bankruptcy Court issues its decision confirming or denying confirmation of the CEOC restructuring plan (February 15, 2017), (b) the termination of the Second Lien RSA or (c) further order of the Bankruptcy Court.
On October 20, 2015, Wilmington Trust, National Association ("Wilmington Trust"), filed a lawsuit (the "New York Senior Notes Lawsuit" and, together with the Delaware Second Lien Lawsuit, the Delaware First Lien Lawsuit, the Senior Unsecured Lawsuits, the New York Second Lien Lawsuit, and the New York First Lien Lawsuit, the "Parent Guarantee Lawsuits") against CEC in federal district court in Manhattan in its capacity as successor indenture trustee for CEOC's 10.75% Senior Notes due 2016 (the "10.75% Senior Notes"). Plaintiff alleges that CEC is obligated to make payment of amounts due on the 10.75% Senior Notes pursuant to a parent guarantee provision in the indenture governing those notes that plaintiff alleges is still in effect. Plaintiff raises claims for violations of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, breach of contract, breach of the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, and for declaratory judgment, and seeks monetary and declaratory relief. CEC filed its answer to the complaint on November 23, 2015. As with the other parent guarantee lawsuits taking place in Manhattan, the judge
presiding over these cases retired and a new judge was appointed to preside over these lawsuits. That judge set a new summary judgment briefing schedule and the parties submitted cross-motions for summary judgment which remain pending. On October 5, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court granted CEOC's motion for a stay of this proceeding (and others). The Bankruptcy Court ordered the stay to remain in effect until the earlier of (a) the first omnibus hearing after the Bankruptcy Court issues its decision confirming or denying confirmation of the CEOC reorganization plan (February 15, 2017), (b) the termination of the Second Lien RSA or (c) further order of the Bankruptcy Court.
In accordance with the terms of the applicable indentures and as previously disclosed, Caesars Entertainment believes that it is not subject to the above-described guarantees. As a result, Caesars Entertainment believes the demands for payment are without merit. The claims against CEOC have been stayed due to the Chapter 11 process and, except as described above, the actions against CEC have been allowed to continue.
CAC and CGP LLC believe that the claims and demands described above against CAC and CGP LLC in the Delaware First Lien Lawsuit and Delaware Second Lien Lawsuit are without merit and intend to defend themselves vigorously. For the Delaware First Lien Lawsuit and Delaware Second Lien Lawsuit, at the present time, CAC and CGP LLC believe it is not probable that a material loss will result from the outcome of these matters. However, given the uncertainty of litigation, CAC and CGP LLC cannot provide assurance as to the outcome of these matters or of the range of reasonably possible losses should the matters ultimately be resolved against them. Should these matters ultimately be resolved through litigation outside of the financial restructuring of CEOC, which CAC and CGP LLC believe these matters would likely be long and protracted, and were a court to find in favor of the claimants in the Delaware First Lien Lawsuit or the Delaware Second Lien Lawsuit, such determination could have a material adverse effect on CAC and CGP LLC's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
As part of CEOC's bankruptcy proceeding, the Official Committee of Second Priority Noteholders ("Second Priority Noteholders") filed a standing motion in bankruptcy court on May 13, 2016 seeking standing to commence claims on behalf of CEOC's estate. The proposed complaint names as potential defendants CAC, CGP LLC, CIE, and CES as well as CEC and CERP among others, and seeks recovery of assets transferred from CEOC. The proposed complaint alleges claims on behalf of CEOC's estate ranging in value from
$8.1 billion
to
$12.6 billion
against all defendants, as valued by the Second Priority Noteholders. Of this amount, the Second Priority Noteholders allege potential claims against CAC, CGP LLC, and CIE ranging from
$3.7 billion
to
$7.9 billion
, without taking into account any duplicative recovery, based on calculations in an exhibit to the revised disclosure statement filed in the bankruptcy court on May 27, 2016. A hearing on the standing motion was held on October 19, 2016, and the standing motion was continued until January 17, 2017. Following the confirmation of the CEOC restructuring plan on January 17, 2017, the bankruptcy court continued the Second Priority Noteholders' standing motion until April 19, 2017.
On October 5, 2016, CEOC announced the execution of, or amendment and restatement of, restructuring support agreements with representatives of all of CEOC's major creditor groups, as well as agreement to the terms of CEOC's third amended plan of reorganization. Included among these was the Second Lien RSA. Pursuant to the terms of the Second Lien RSA, CEOC and the Second Priority Noteholders have agreed to stay certain discovery deadlines and to hold in abeyance various proceedings pending before the bankruptcy court. The Second Priority Noteholders' standing motion, various claim objections and motions to compel will all be held in abeyance until (a) the date on which the Debtors' third amended plan becomes effective or (b) seven days after the termination of the Second Lien RSA for any reason, whichever is earlier. The Second Lien RSA further requires the consenting Second Priority Noteholders to vote in favor of the plan.
On August 9, 2016, CEOC and certain of its affiliates, each debtor in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, filed an adversary complaint as part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding against CAC, CIE, CGP LLC, and CGPH, among others, including CEC, CES, and certain current and former directors of CEOC and CEC. In this adversary complaint, the plaintiffs assert claims against CAC for actual and constructive fraudulent conveyances and transfers. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that certain transactions in which CAC purchased assets from CEOC constituted fraudulent conveyances, and that CAC did not provide CEOC with reasonably equivalent value for the assets acquired. The plaintiffs also claim certain transactions involving CIE constituted fraudulent transfers. The plaintiffs seek, among other relief, avoidance and/or rescission of the disputed transactions; return of assets transferred in those transactions; compensation from defendants for CEOC's alleged losses and damages; and an award to plaintiffs of the costs of the actions, including attorney's fees.
CAC, CIE, CGP LLC, and CGPH believe the above-referenced adversary complaint is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously, including by filing a motion to dismiss at the appropriate time. The status and timing of the adversary proceeding is affected by the Bankruptcy proceedings. On August 10, 2016, CEOC filed an emergency motion seeking, among other relief, to stay the above-referenced adversary proceeding. On August 23, 2016, the bankruptcy court granted the relief requested until the October 19, 2016 omnibus hearing. At the October 19, 2016 omnibus hearing, the bankruptcy court continued the adversary proceeding until the November 16, 2016 omnibus hearing. Following the confirmation of the CEOC restructuring plan on January 17, 2017, the bankruptcy court continued the adversary proceeding until April 19, 2017.
Report of Bankruptcy Examiner
The Bankruptcy Court previously engaged an independent examiner to investigate possible claims CEOC might have against CEC, CAC, CGP LLC, other entities and certain individuals. On March 15, 2016, the examiner released his report in redacted form (to the public) and in unredacted form (to certain entities and individuals). On May 16, 2016, the examiner issued a substantially unredacted version of his report. CAC, CGP LLC and CIE do not have access to the unredacted report, and accordingly the description below is based on the substantially unredacted publicly-available report.
The examiner's report identifies a variety of potential claims against CAC, CGP LLC, CIE, other entities and certain individuals related to a number of transactions dating back to 2009. Most of the examiner's findings are based on his view that CEOC was "insolvent" at the time of the applicable transactions. The examiner's report includes his conclusions on the relative strength of these possible claims, many of which are described above. The examiner calculates an estimated range of potential damages for these potential claims as against all parties from
$3.6 billion
to
$5.1 billion
. The examiner calculates an estimated range of potential damages for potential claims against CAC, CGP LLC and CIE from
$1.7 billion
to
$2.3 billion
, ignoring potential duplication of recovery from other defendants. Neither calculation takes into account probability of success, likelihood of collection, or the time or cost of litigation.
Although this report was prepared at the request of the Bankruptcy Court, none of the findings are legally binding on the Bankruptcy Court or any party. CAC, CGP LLC and CIE contest many of the examiner's findings, including his finding that CEOC did not receive fair value for assets transferred, any suggestion that certain of the potential claims against CAC, CGP LLC and CIE have merit, and his calculation of potential damages. CAC, CGP LLC and its subsidiaries believe that each of the disputed transactions involving them provided substantial value to CEOC that was reasonably equivalent to the value of the asset
(s) transferred, and that they at all times acted in good faith.
National Retirement Fund
In January 2015, a majority of the Trustees of the National Retirement Fund ("NRF"), a multi-employer defined benefit pension plan, voted to expel CEC and its participating subsidiaries, the CEC Group, from the plan. Neither CAC, CGP LLC nor any of their subsidiaries are part of the CEC Group. NRF claims that CEOC's bankruptcy presents an "actuarial risk" to the plan because, depending on the outcome of the bankruptcy proceeding, CEC might no longer be liable to the plan for any partial or complete withdrawal liability. NRF has advised the CEC Group that its expulsion has triggered withdrawal liability with a present value of approximately
$360 million
, payable in
80
quarterly payments of about
$6 million
.
Prior to NRF's vote, the CEC Group reiterated its commitment to remain in the plan and not seek rejection of any collective bargaining agreements in which the obligation to contribute to NRF exists. The CEC Group was current with respect to pension contributions at the time of their expulsion.
On December 5, 2016, an interlocutory judgment was entered against CEC and CERP comprising the first quarterly payment of withdrawal liability referred to above, interest and liquidated damages under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. On December 19, 2016, CEC and CERP filed a motion to certify a final judgment under Rule 54(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for immediate appeal and to stay the plaintiffs' motions to amend and for summary judgment, as described below. On January 11, 2017, the District Court granted the motion to certify a final judgment under Rule 54(b) in the amount of
$9 million
, but denied the motion for a stay, and a judgment in that amount was entered the next day. CEC has appealed this decision to the Second Circuit, and has bonded the judgment pending appeal.
On December 23, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a motion to amend their complaint to add claims for the second through eighth quarterly payments of withdrawal liability, which the plaintiffs contended were past due, as well as for injunctive relief requiring the defendants to pay all further quarterly payments as they purportedly became due. Also on December 23, 2016, the plaintiffs simultaneously filed a motion for summary judgment against CEC and CERP for payment of the second through eighth quarterly payments of withdrawal liability, for interest, liquidated damages, attorneys' fees and costs, and for injunctive relief requiring the defendants to pay all further quarterly payments as they purportedly became due. These motions have not yet been fully submitted to the District Court.
CEC believes its legal arguments against the actions undertaken by NRF are strong and will pursue them vigorously, and will defend vigorously against the claims raised by the NRF in the NRF action. Since settlement discussions with the NRF are continuing and no material discovery has yet been performed with respect to any of the above actions, CEC cannot currently provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of the matters at issue.
Other Matters
In recent years, governmental authorities have been increasingly focused on anti-money laundering ("AML") policies and procedures, with a particular focus on the gaming industry. In October 2013, CEOC's subsidiary, Desert Palace, Inc. (the owner of and referred to herein as Caesars Palace), received a letter from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the United States Department of the Treasury ("FinCEN"), stating that FinCEN was investigating Caesars Palace for alleged
violations of the Bank Secrecy Act to determine whether it is appropriate to assess a civil penalty and/or take additional enforcement action against Caesars Palace. Caesars Palace responded to FinCEN's letter in January 2014. Additionally, CEC was informed in October 2013 that a federal grand jury investigation regarding anti-money laundering practices of CEC and its subsidiaries had been initiated. CEC and Caesars Palace have been cooperating with FinCEN, the Department of Justice and the Nevada Gaming Control Board (the "GCB") on this matter. On September 8, 2015, FinCEN announced a settlement pursuant to which Caesars Palace agreed to an
$8 million
civil penalty for its violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, which penalty shall be treated as a general unsecured claim in Caesars Palace's bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, Caesars Palace agreed to conduct periodic external audits and independent testing of its AML compliance program, report to FinCEN on mandated improvements, adopt a rigorous training regime, and engage in a "look-back" for suspicious transactions. The terms of the FinCEN settlement were approved by the bankruptcy court on October 19, 2015.
CEOC and the GCB reached a settlement on the same facts as above, wherein CEC agreed to pay
$1.5 million
and provide to the GCB the same information that is reported to FinCEN and to resubmit its updated AML policies. On September 17, 2015, the settlement agreement was approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission. CEOC continues to cooperate with the Department of Justice in its investigation of this matter.
The Company is party to ordinary and routine litigation incidental to our business. We do not expect the outcome of any such litigation to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, as we do not believe it is reasonably possible that we will incur material losses as a result of such litigation.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
.
Not applicable.