UK casino entertainment group Metropolitan Gaming announced Monday the sale of its interest in Emerald Resort and Casino in Gauteng, South Africa. The company will be selling its share of the business to a consortium controlled by South African hospitality and gaming group Southern Sun, formerly known as Tsogo Sun.
The transaction is set to allow Metropolitan Gaming to focus on its core markets of the UK and Egypt, where it is committed “to building the Metropolitan brand through acquisition and investment,” the group said. Work is already underway on the refurbishment and rebranding of the company’s Mayfair property, Park Lane Club London, to reopen later this year.
Michael Silberling, CEO of Metropolitan Gaming, said, “Following the addition of the iconic Park Lane Club to our portfolio of casinos in the UK earlier this year, the sale of our interest in Emerald Resort and Casino reflects our focused strategy to invest in and develop the business within our primary markets.”
“We want to thank all our employees at Emerald Resort and Casino past and present for their hard work, professionalism and loyalty, particularly during the global COVID-19 pandemic,” added Silberling. “We very much look forward to following their progress and successes over the years to come.”
Metropolitan Gaming Group described itself as one of London’s largest casino-entertainment companies. The business currently operates 6 casino licenses in London and 8 branded casinos throughout the UK, including Park Lane Club London, Empire Casino, The Sportsman, Rendezvous Brighton, Manchester235, Alea Nottingham and Alea Glasgow. It also operates three casinos in the Middle East.
Metropolitan Gaming acquired Park Lane Club London back in June. Located in Mayfair, across two floors in the renowned Hilton Hotel, the club first opened its doors in 2014. It boasts a gaming floor, private gaming room, outdoor gaming terrace, lounge and bar. The property will be refurbished and rebranded to Metropolitan Park Lane after a transition period.
“We are thrilled to be adding the iconic Park Lane Club to our portfolio of casinos in the UK,” said Silberling at the time. “It is an excellent addition to our portfolio of premier casinos and we have exciting plans to invest in and develop the business moving forward. We look forward to welcoming the Park Lane Club team to Metropolitan Gaming and creating safe and memorable experiences for our guests in the new location.”
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2022/09/13/64214-metropolitan-gaming-to-sell-interest-in-south-africa-39s-emerald-resort-and-casino
