NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2020 — IAC (NASDAQ: IAC) today announced its accumulation of a 12% interest in global hospitality and entertainment company MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) for an aggregate of approximately $1 billion.
“With the separation of Match Group from IAC, and ‘new’ IAC emerging with $3.9 billion of cash, no debt, and its opportunistic zeal intact, we are energized and excited to make this investment in MGM. What initially attracted us to MGM, besides its leadership in leisure, hospitality and gaming, was an area that currently comprises a tiny portion of its revenue – online gaming,” said Barry Diller, Chairman and Senior Executive of IAC. “IAC’s foundational concept of seeking opportunities to build interactive businesses is our base rationale – there is a digital first opportunity within MGM Resorts’ already impressive offline businesses, and with our experience we hope we can strongly contribute to the growth of online gaming.”
“MGM Resorts presents a unique opportunity for IAC to own a meaningful piece of a preeminent brand in a large category with immense potential to move online,” said Joey Levin, CEO of IAC. “We will be a minority investor and a long-term strategic partner, and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to MGM’s success in any way that MGM’s Board would look favorably on our involvement.”
“We could not be more excited to welcome IAC and Mr. Diller as an investor in MGM Resorts. Mr. Diller and Joey Levin, CEO of IAC, bring vast experience in both entertainment and online commerce and we will take full advantage of their experience,” said Paul Salem, MGM Resorts Chairman of the Board of Directors. “IAC’s family of brands and digital expertise are a great complement to the direction MGM Resorts has been taking both in leveraging our digital assets to enhance our guests’ experience and building a leading iGaming and sports betting business in BetMGM. We welcome IAC as a long-term strategic partner and intend to invite them to join our Board of Directors.”
Data-driven, digital and customer-centric innovations are a key principle of the MGM 2020 plan announced last year and MGM Resorts’ executive leadership is excited that IAC recognizes the tremendous value creation potential.
“IAC’s expertise in growing and expanding brands online is a natural fit for our focus on enhancing the resort experience through curated and personalized offerings, as well as digital enhancements in sports betting and online gaming,” said CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle. “We appreciate that they share our long-term strategic vision for growth and maximizing value for our shareholders. We welcome their collaboration and are excited at the possibilities it will bring.”
