Caesars Entertainment shareholders voted decisively to approve Tilman Fertitta's $31-per-share cash buyout, with 65.4% of outstanding shares in favor on September 22, 2026, even as the Federal Trade Commission issued a standard second request for more information that can extend the regulatory timeline. Fertitta intends to make Caesars a wholly owned subsidiary once regulators sign off, keeping CEO Tom Reeg and the existing leadership team in place, and would combine more than 50 properties into a broader gaming and hospitality portfolio. The FTC requested more information rather than suing to block the transaction, and both companies said they would cooperate, though the second request can delay closing by months while the $31-per-share agreement remains in place. Fertitta is assuming nearly $12 billion in debt as part of the deal, and because he already controls the Golden Nugget casino chain and other hospitality assets, the FTC can examine overlap in specific gaming and regional markets, with possible demands for asset sales. Caesars' hedge fund count rose to 64 in the second quarter of 2026 from 56 in the first, with position value climbing to $1.66 billion from $913.2 million, while MGM Resorts saw holders increase to 63 from 57, with position value rising to $1.38 billion from $1.21 billion.
Caesars Entertainment CorporationShareholders approved Fertitta's $31-per-share cash buyout, a valuation/M&A event for Caesars.
MGM Resorts InternationalFertitta's existing Golden Nugget chain creates gaming-market overlap the FTC may examine, with possible asset sales.
