08/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2024 15:30
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 13E-3
(Rule 13e-100)
Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement Under Section 13(e)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
BALLY'S CORPORATION
(Name of Subject Company (Issuer))
Bally's Corporation
Epsilon Sub I, Inc.
Standard General L.P.
The Queen Casino & Entertainment, Inc.
SG CQ Gaming LLC
SG Parent LLC
Standard RI Ltd.
Soohyung Kim
(Names of Filing Persons)
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
(Title of Class of Securities)
05875C
(CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)
Bally's Corporation
100 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903 (401) 475-8474
Attn: Kim M. Barker,
Jaymin Patel
(Name, address, and telephone number of person authorized to receive notices and communications on behalf of filing persons)
with copies to:
Richard Langan, Jr. | Scott D. Miller | Mark A. Morton | Ryan Messier | |||
John C. Partigan | Lauren S. Boehmke | Alyssa K. Ronan | Philip Richter | |||
Conrad Adkins | Sullivan & Cromwell | Potter Anderson & | Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & | |||
Nixon Peabody LLP | LLP | Corroon LLP | Jacobson LLP | |||
55 West 46th Street | 125 Broad Street | 1313 N Market Street | One New York Plaza | |||
New York, NY 10036 | New York, NY 10004 | 6th Floor | New York, NY 10004 | |||
(212) 940-3140 | (212) 558-3109 | Wilmington, DE 19801 | (202) 639-7226 | |||
(302) 984-6078 |
This statement is filed in connection with (check the appropriate box):
a. ☒ | The filing of solicitation materials or an information statement subject to Regulation 14A, Regulation 14C or Rule 13e-3(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
b. ☐ | The filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933. |
c. ☐ | A tender offer. |
d. ☐ | None of the above. |
Check the following box if the soliciting materials or information statement referred to in checking box (a) are preliminary copies: ☒
Check the following box if the filing is a final amendment reporting the results of the transaction: ☐
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THIS TRANSACTION, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THIS TRANSACTION, OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS SCHEDULE 13E-3. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
INTRODUCTION
This Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3, together with the exhibits hereto (this "Transaction Statement"), is being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to Section 13(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") by (a) Bally's Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Bally's"), (b) Epsilon Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and subsidiary of the Company ("Merger Sub I"), (c) Standard General L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Standard General"), (d) The Queen Casino & Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation and affiliate of Parent ("Queen"), (e) SG CQ Gaming LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, an affiliate of Standard General and stockholder of Queen ("SG Gaming"), (f) SG Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an affiliate of Standard General ("Parent"), (g) Standard RI Ltd., an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and an affiliate of Standard General and Queen ("SRL"), and (h) Soohyung Kim, an individual. Collectively, the persons filing this Transaction Statement are referred to as the "filing persons".
This Transaction Statement relates to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 25, 2024 (as it has been or may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), by and among the Company, Merger Sub I, Epsilon Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation and affiliate of the Company ("Merger Sub II," and together with the Company and Merger Sub I, the "Company Parties"), Parent, Queen, and solely for purposes of specified provisions of the Merger Agreement, SG Gaming (together with Parent and Queen, the "Buyer Parties"). Subject to the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the closing of the transactions:
● | SG Gaming will contribute all of the 10,967,117.016 shares of common stock, par value $0.00000198 per share, of Queen (the "Queen Common Stock") held by SG Gaming (the "Queen Share Contribution") to the Company, and in exchange therefor the Company will issue to SG Gaming 26,909,895 validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Company Common Stock"), based on an exchange ratio of 2.45368905950 (the "Queen Exchange Ratio"), |
● | following the Queen Share Contribution, Merger Sub I will merge with and into the Company (the "Company Merger") with the Company surviving the Company Merger (the "Surviving Corporation"), in connection with which, at the effective time of the Company Merger (the "Company Effective Time"), each share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Company Effective Time (other than shares of Company Common Stock owned by: (i) the Company or any of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries; (ii) holders exercising appraisal rights; (iii) SG Gaming following the Queen Share Contribution; or (iv) holders who have validly elected to have such shares remain issued and outstanding following the Company Merger (a "Rolling Share Election"), subject to certain exceptions) will be converted into the right to receive cash consideration equal to $18.25 per share of Company Common Stock, and |
● | following the Company Merger, Merger Sub II will merge with and into Queen (the "Queen Merger" and together with the "Company Merger", the "Mergers") with Queen surviving the Queen Merger as a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Queen Surviving Corporation"), in connection with which each issued and outstanding share of Queen Common Stock (other than those held by the Company as a result of the Queen Share Contribution) will convert into shares of Company Common Stock based on the Queen Exchange Ratio. |
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In connection with the special meeting of stockholders to approve the Merger Agreement, holders of Company Common Stock (the "Company Stockholders") will be asked to approve the adoption of an amendment (the "Certificate of Amendment") to the Company's Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to authorize and approve a new class of capital stock, Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company ("Class A Common Stock"), which will be issued solely in connection with the Rolling Share Elections. The proposal to adopt the Certificate of Amendment to authorize and approve the Class A Common Stock is referred to as the "Amendment Proposal." If the Amendment Proposal is approved, stockholders that make a valid Rolling Share Election will receive in exchange for their shares of such Company Common Stock to which such Rolling Share Election pertains (except to the extent such Rolling Share Election is rejected), one share of Class A Common Stock for each such share of Company Common Stock. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to list any issued Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange. For each Company Stockholder who has validly made and not properly revoked a Rolling Share Election (that is not rejected), its shares of Class A Common Stock that are subject to the Rolling Share Election will remain outstanding until the earliest to occur of a time immediately prior to the Company Effective Time and the time of the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, upon which event each share of issued Class A Common Stock held by such stockholder will, by its terms, automatically convert into one share of Company Common Stock. Any Company Stockholder who fails to properly make a Rolling Share Election on or before the Election Deadline (as defined below) with respect to all or any portion of such holder's shares of Company Common Stock will be deemed to have not made a Rolling Share Election with respect to such shares; provided, however, that the Company reserves the right to reopen the opportunity for stockholders to make Rolling Share Elections at a later time following the Election Deadline. In order to validly make Rolling Share Elections, stockholders desiring to make a Rolling Share Election will be required to waive appraisal rights in respect of any Class A Common Stock that they hold or acquire or may hereafter acquire.
In the event that the Company Stockholders do not approve the Amendment Proposal at the special meeting, then subject to compliance with applicable law (including, to the extent applicable SEC Rules 13e-3 and 13e-4), Parent and the Company (subject to prior approval by the Special Committee) will, promptly following the special meeting cause an additional period for Rolling Share Elections (and revocations by the applicable stockholders of existing Rolling Share Elections) to be made prior to the Company Effective Time subject to such deadlines and procedures as they determine to be necessary or appropriate. If the Company Stockholders do not approve the Amendment Proposal, each Rolling Company Share will remain outstanding as Company Common Stock prior to the Company Effective Time, and the provisions in the Merger Agreement concerning the issuance of Class A Common Stock will not take effect.
Following the completion of the Mergers, the shares of Company Common Stock may be delisted from trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
The board of directors of Bally's (the "Bally's Board") formed a special committee of the Bally's Board comprised solely of independent directors (the "Special Committee") to, among other things, evaluate and make recommendations to the Bally's Board regarding Merger Agreement and transactions contemplated thereby.
The Special Committee, as more fully described in the Company's proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") filed concurrently with the filing of this Transaction Statement under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act with the SEC, evaluated the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, with the assistance of its own independent financial and legal advisors. After careful consideration, the Special Committee unanimously (1) determined that the terms of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Company Merger, are fair to and in the best interests of the Company and the Unaffiliated Company Stockholders (as defined below), (2) recommended that the Bally's Board approve and declare advisable the Merger Agreement and the transaction contemplated thereby, including the Company Merger, and determine that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Company Merger, are fair to, and in the best interests of, Bally's and the Unaffiliated Company Stockholders and (3) recommended that, subject to approval of the Bally's Board, the Bally's Board submit the Merger Agreement to the Company Stockholders for their adoption, and recommend that the Company Stockholders vote in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement.
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The Bally's Board, acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, by a unanimous vote of the Company's directors (excluding directors Soohyung Kim and Terrence Downey, who recused themselves due to their affiliation with Parent and/or Queen), (1) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Company Merger, are fair to, and in the best interests of, Bally's and the Company Stockholders, including the Unaffiliated Company Stockholders; (2) approved and declared advisable the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Company Merger, (3) approved and declared advisable the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement by the Company, the performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations thereunder the Merger Agreement, and the consummation of, the Company Merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, (4) directed that the adoption of the Merger Agreement be submitted to a vote of the Company Stockholders, and (5) recommended that the Company Stockholders vote in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement.
The Mergers cannot be completed without the affirmative vote of both: (a) the holders of a majority of all of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote thereon and (b) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock held by the Unaffiliated Company Stockholders and entitled to vote thereon, which excludes all of the shares of Company Common Stock held, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of: (i) Parent, SRL, SBG Gaming and Noel Hayden or their respective Affiliates and those members of the Bally's Board who are employees of Parent, SBG Gaming or any of their respective Affiliates; (ii) any person that the Company has determined to be an "officer" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act; and (iii) any Company Stockholder who, prior to the receipt of the Requisite Stockholder Approval, enters into any contract, agreement or other arrangement with any Buyer Party or any of its respective Affiliates pursuant to which such Company Stockholder agrees to vote to adopt the Merger Agreement or to make a Rolling Share Election (collectively, the "Unaffiliated Company Stockholders").
The Company is filing the Proxy Statement with the SEC concurrently with the filing of this Transaction Statement under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act pursuant to which the Company is soliciting proxies from the Company Stockholders in connection with the Mergers. The Proxy Statement is attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1). A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached to the Proxy Statement as Annex A-1. Terms used but not defined in this Transaction Statement have the meanings assigned to them in the Proxy Statement.
Pursuant to General Instruction F to Schedule 13E-3, the information in the Proxy Statement, including all annexes thereto, is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and responses to each item herein are qualified in their entirety by the information contained in the Proxy Statement. The cross-references below are being supplied pursuant to General Instruction G to Schedule 13E-3 and show the location in the Proxy Statement of the information required to be included in response to the items of Schedule 13E-3.
The information concerning the Company contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this Transaction Statement and the Proxy Statement was supplied by the Company. Similarly, all information concerning each other Filing Person contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this Transaction Statement and the Proxy Statement was supplied by such Filing Person. No Filing Person, including the Company, is responsible for the accuracy of any information supplied by any other Filing Person.
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SCHEDULE 13E-3 ITEMS
Item 1. Summary Term Sheet.
The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
Item 2. Subject Company Information.
(a) Name and Address. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet - The Parties to the Merger Transactions"
"Questions and Answers"
"The Parties to the Merger Transactions - Bally's Corporation"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's"
"Important Information Regarding 13E-3 Filing Parties - Name and Address; Business and Background of Schedule 13e-3 Filing Parties"
"Where You Can Find Additional Information"
(b) Securities. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet - The Special Meeting - Record Date; Shares Entitled to Vote; Quorum"
"Questions and Answers"
"The Special Meeting - Record Date; Shares Entitled to Vote; Quorum"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management"
(c) Trading Market and Price. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Market Price of Bally's Common Stock"
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(d) Dividends. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Dividends"
(e) Prior Public Offerings. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Prior Public Offerings"
(f) Prior Stock Purchases. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Important Information Regarding 13E-3 Filing Parties - Prior Bally's Stock Purchases"
Item 3. Identity and Background of Filing Person.
(a) - (c) Name and Address; Business and Background of Entities; Business and Background of Natural Persons. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet - The Parties to the Merger Transactions""Questions and Answers"
"The Parties to the Merger Transactions"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's"
"Important Information Regarding 13E-3 Filing Parties"
"Where You Can Find Additional Information"
Item 4. Terms of the Transaction.
(a)-(1) Material Terms. Tender Offers. Not applicable.
(a)-(2) Material Terms. Mergers or Similar Transactions. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
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"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Plans for the Company After the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects on Bally's if the Merger Transactions Are Not Completed"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Accounting Treatment"
"Special Factors - Material U.S. Tax Consequences of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger Transactions"
"Description and Comparison of Rights of Bally's Stock Before and After the Merger Transactions"
"The Special Meeting - Votes Required"
"The Merger Agreement - Effect of the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement - Merger Consideration"
"The Merger Agreement - Conditions to Closing the Merger Transactions"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
"Annex D - Support Agreements"
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(c) Different Terms. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects on Bally's if the Merger Transactions Are Not Completed"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Limited Guarantee"
"Special Factors - Financing of the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement - Merger Consideration"
"The Merger Agreement - Treatment of Equity Awards"
"The Merger Agreement - Exchange and Payment Procedures"
"The Merger Agreement - Employee Matters"
"The Merger Agreement - Indemnification and Insurance"
"Proposal 3: Advisory Compensation Proposal"
"The Support Agreements"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
"Annex D - Support Agreements"
(d) Appraisal Rights. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet - Appraisal Rights"
"The Special Meeting - Appraisal Rights"
"Appraisal Rights"
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(e) Provisions For Unaffiliated Security Holders. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Provisions for Unaffiliated Stockholders"
(f) Eligibility For Listing or Trading. Not applicable, but please refer to Information set forth on Proxy Statement under the following captions, which is incorporation herein by reference:
"The Merger Transactions - Plans for the Company After the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Post-Closing Trading of the Company Stock"Item 5. Past Contacts, Transactions, Negotiations, and Agreements.
(a)(1) - (2) Transactions. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Limited Guarantee"
"Special Factors - Financing of the Merger Transactions"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Prior Public Offerings"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Transactions in Company Common Stock"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Past Contracts, Transactions, Negotiations, and Agreements"
"Important Information Regarding 13E-3 Filing Parties"
"Proposal 3: Advisory Compensation Proposal"
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(b) - (c) Significant Corporate Events; Negotiations or Contacts. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Plans for the Company After the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement"
"The Support Agreements"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
"Annex D - Support Agreements"
(e) Agreements Involving the Subject Company's Securities. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects on Bally's if the Merger Transactions Are Not Completed"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
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"Special Factors - Limited Guarantee"
"Special Factors - Financing of the Merger Transactions"
"The Special Meeting - Votes Required"
"The Merger Agreement"
"The Support Agreements"
"Proposal 3: Advisory Compensation Proposal"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
"Annex D - Support Agreements"
"Annex H - Registration Rights Agreement"
Item 6. Purposes of the Transaction and Plans or Proposals.
(b) Use of Securities Acquired. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Financing of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Post-Closing Trading of the Company Common Stock"
"The Merger Agreement - Effect of the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement - Merger Consideration"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
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(c)(1) - (8) Plans. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Plans for the Company After the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects on Bally's if the Merger Transactions Are Not Completed"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Limited Guarantee"
"Special Factors - Financing of the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement - Effect of the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement - Directors and Officers; Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws"
"The Merger Agreement - Merger Consideration"
"The Merger Agreement - Exchange and Payment Procedures"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
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Item 7. Purposes, Alternatives, Reasons, and Effects.
(a) Purposes. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Plans for the Company After the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects on Bally's if the Merger Transactions Are Not Completed"
(b) Alternatives. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Plans for the Company After the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects on Bally's if the Merger Transactions Are Not Completed"
(c) Reasons. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
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"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Opinion of the Special Committee's Financial Advisor"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Plans for the Company After the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects on Bally's if the Merger Transactions Are Not Completed"
"Special Factors - Unaudited Prospective Financial Information"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
"Annex C - Opinion of Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc."
(d) Effects. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Plans for the Company After the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
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"Special Factors - Certain Effects on Bally's if the Merger Transactions Are Not Completed"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Material U.S. Tax Consequences of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Limited Guarantee"
"Special Factors - Financing of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Post-Closing Trading of the Company Common Stock"
"Special Factors - Fees and Expenses"
"The Merger Agreement - Effect of the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement - Directors and Officers; Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws"
"The Merger Agreement - Merger Consideration"
"The Merger Agreement - Employee Matters"
"The Merger Agreement - Indemnification and Insurance"
"Proposal 3: Advisory Compensation Proposal"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
Item 8. Fairness of the Transaction.
(a) - (b) Fairness; Factors Considered in Determining Fairness. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
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"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Opinion of the Special Committee's Financial Advisor"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Plans for the Company After the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects on Bally's if the Merger Transactions Are Not Completed"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
"Annex C - Opinion of Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc."
(c) Approval of Security Holders. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Plans for the Company After the Company Merger"
"The Special Meeting - Record Date; Shares Entitled to Vote; Quorum"
"The Special Meeting - Votes Required"
"The Special Meeting - Voting of Proxies"
"The Special Meeting - Revocability of Proxies"
"The Merger Agreement - Conditions to Closing the Merger Transactions"
"Proposal 1: The Merger Proposal"
"Proposal 2: The Amendment Proposal"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
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(d) Unaffiliated Representative. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
(e) Approval of Directors. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
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(f) Other Offers. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
Item 9. Reports, Opinions, Appraisals, and Negotiations.
(a) - (b) Report, Opinion, or Appraisal; Preparer and Summary of the Report, Opinion, or Appraisal. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Opinion of the Special Committee's Financial Advisor"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Where You Can Find Additional Information"
"Annex C - Opinion of Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc."
(c) Availability of Documents. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Where You Can Find Additional Information"
The reports, opinions or appraisals referenced in this Item 9 will be made available for inspection and copying at the principal executive offices of the Company during its regular business hours by any interested equity holder of Company Common Stock or by a representative who has been so
designated in writing.
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Item 10. Source and Amounts of Funds or Other Consideration.
(a) - (b), (d) Source of Funds; Conditions; Borrowed Funds. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Special Factors - Limited Guarantee"
"Special Factors - Financing of the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement - Conduct of Business Pending the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement - Conditions to Closing the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement - Other Covenants"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Description of Company Debt"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
(c) Expenses. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Certain Effects on Bally's if the Merger Transactions Are Not Completed"
"Special Factors - Fees and Expenses"
"The Special Meeting - Solicitation of Proxies"
"The Merger Agreement- Indemnification and Insurance"
"The Merger Agreement - Other Covenants"
"The Merger Agreement - Termination Fees"
"The Merger Agreement - Fees and Expenses"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
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Item 11. Interest in Securities of the Subject Company.
(a) Securities Ownership. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Transactions in Company Common Stock"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
(b) Securities Transactions. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Transactions in Company Common Stock"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Transactions by Our Directors and Executive Officers During the Last 60 Days"
Item 12. The Solicitation or Recommendation.
(d) Intent to Tender or Vote in a Going-Private Transaction. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Intent of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers to Vote in Favor of the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Intent of Certain Stockholders to Vote in Favor of the Merger Transactions"
"The Special Meeting - Votes Required"
"The Support Agreements"
"Annex D - Support Agreements"
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(e) Recommendation of Others. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Proposal 1: The Merger Proposal"
"Proposal 2: The Amendment Proposal"
Item 13. Financial Statements.
(a) Financial Information.
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations set forth in Item 7 and the audited consolidated financial statements set forth in Item 8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and the unaudited financial statements set forth in Item 1 and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations set forth in Item 2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2024 are incorporated by reference.
The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Special Factors - Certain Effects of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Unaudited Prospective Financial Information"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Selected Historical Financial Data"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Book Value Per Share"
"Where You Can Find Additional Information"
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(b) Pro Forma Information. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements"
"Important Information Regarding Bally's - Pro Forma Financial Information"
"Important Information Regarding the Combined Party After the Merger Transactions - Pro Forma Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management"
Item 14. Persons/Assets, Retained, Employed, Compensated, or Used.
(a) - (b) Solicitations or Recommendations; Employees and Corporate Assets. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Questions and Answers"
"Special Factors - Background of the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Reasons for the Company Merger; Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Disinterested Directors"
"Special Factors - Position of the Buyer Filing Parties as to the Fairness of the Company Merger; Purpose and Reasons of the Buyer Filing Parties for the Company Merger"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"Special Factors - Fees and Expenses"
"The Special Meeting - Solicitation of Proxies"
Item 15. Additional Information.
(b) Golden Parachute Compensation. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
"Summary Term Sheet"
"Special Factors - Interests of Bally's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger Transactions"
"The Merger Agreement - Merger Consideration"
"Proposal 3: Advisory Compensation Proposal"
"Annex A-1 - Agreement and Plan of Merger"
(c) Other Material Information. The information set forth in the Proxy Statement, including all annexes thereto, is incorporated herein by reference.
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Item 16. Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed herewith:
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SIGNATURES
After due inquiry and to the best of the undersigned's knowledge and belief, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
Dated: August 28, 2024 | ||
BALLY'S CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Marcus Glover | |
Name: | Marcus Glover | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
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After due inquiry and to the best of the undersigned's knowledge and belief, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
Dated: August 28, 2024 | ||
EPSILON SUB I, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Marcus Glover | |
Name: | Marcus Glover | |
Title: | Director |
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After due inquiry and to the best of the undersigned's knowledge and belief, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
Dated: August 28, 2024
Standard General L.P. | ||
By: | /s/ Joseph Mause | |
Name: | Joseph Mause | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
THE QUEEN CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Vladimira Mircheva | |
Name: | Vladimira Mircheva | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
SG CQ GAMING LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Soohyung Kim | |
Name: | Soohyung Kim | |
Title: | Manager |
SG Parent LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Soohyung Kim | |
Name: | Soohyung Kim | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Standard RI Ltd. | ||
By: | /s/ Soohyung Kim | |
Name: | Soohyung Kim | |
Title: | Director |
Soohyung Kim | |
/s/ Soohyung Kim | |
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