The deal was first announced inDecember 2006. The transaction required the approval ofHarrah's shareholders and gambling regulators in more than a dozenstates and several tribal nations where Harrah's operates.

Technically Harrah's merged with Hamlet Merger Inc., a Delawarecorporation. Harrah's outstanding shares and non-voting stock areowned by entities affiliated with Apollo Management, L.P. and TPGCapital LP (together with certain co-investors and members ofmanagement) and the voting stock of Harrah's is owned by HamletHoldings LLC, which is controlled by individuals affiliated withApollo TPG.

Harrah's is the world's largest casino company by revenue. Itoperates 39 casinos across the US, including Caesars Palace,Bally's, Flamingo and Paris on the Las Vegas Strip.Internationally, it owns stakes in casinos in Canada and Uruguayand owns UK-based London Clubs International PLC, which operates 10casinos in UK, Egypt, and South Africa. The company has plans for$4 billion in growth-related spending over the next several years,including $2.1 billion in Nevada.