LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International said today that it will create a controlled real estate investment trust, to be named MGM Growth Properties LLC.

MGM Resorts will contribute the real estate associated with ten of its premier properties and MGM Growth Properties (MGP) will assume approximately $4 billion of debt, which is expected to be refinanced with the proceeds of debt and equity issuances. MGM Resorts also announced that it submitted a draft registration statement on Form S-11 to the SEC relating to MGP's proposed initial public offering.

The company says the new structure will allow more strategic flexibility that could improve returns.

MGM Resorts expects to complete the transaction in the first quarter of 2016, subject to market conditions and required regulatory approvals.
"This transaction provides MGM Resorts' shareholders numerous strategic and financial benefits, including delevering our balance sheet and enhancing long-term shareholder value," said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. "MGM Resorts is creating a new growth platform to allow it to more effectively execute its strategic initiatives, including portfolio diversification."

 Key aspects of the transaction for MGM Resorts include:

    --  Highlighting the significant long-term value of its real estate by
        creating a large, publicly traded triple-net lease REIT;
    --  Reducing leverage, strengthening its financial profile and enhancing its
        ability to execute its growth strategy;
    --  Maintaining a substantial majority economic interest in MGP, which is
        expected to have stable cash flows and regular distributions;
    --  Leasing the properties from MGP under a long-term, triple-net master
        lease;
    --  Continuing to operate the Properties without impact to MGM Resorts'
        guests, employees, and business partners;
    --  Maintaining flexibility to offer additional properties to MGP in the
        future; and
    --  Minimizing transaction costs and allowing rapid execution.

 MGM Resorts plans to contribute ten premier real estate assets to MGP, including more than 24,000 hotel rooms and more than 2.3 million square feet of convention and meeting space.  The Properties will include:

   --  Seven large-scale Las Vegas resorts and entertainment properties:
        Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor,
        Excalibur, and The Park.
    --  Three regional casino resort properties: MGM Grand Detroit,
        and Beau Rivage and Gold Strike Tunica, both of which are located in
        Mississippi.

MGM Resorts will lease the properties under a long-term, triple-net master lease with an initial 10-year term and four five-year extensions at MGM Resorts' option. The master lease is expected to provide MGP with a right of first offer with respect to MGM Resorts' development properties in Maryland and Massachusetts. The master lease will be guaranteed by MGM Resorts.

Murren added, "We have exhaustively and thoughtfully explored a wide range of opportunities to leverage our valuable real estate assets and are pleased that this transaction will further position MGM Resorts for sustained success. Since its founding, MGM Resorts has grown to become one of the leading hospitality companies in the world, and under this new structure we look forward to an even stronger future."

MGM Resorts will continue to manage and operate the properties and will retain 100% ownership of the Bellagio and MGM Grand Las Vegas. The significant cash flow generated by these properties will allow MGM Resorts to maintain its strong asset base and financial profile. In addition, MGM Resorts will continue to own Circus Circus Las Vegas, undeveloped land holdings, and its equity interests in several other properties including CityCenter (50%), MGM China Holdings (51%), and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (50%).
The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016, subject to market conditions, gaming regulatory approvals, completion of the related financings and SEC review, and other customary conditions.
MGM Resorts International is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage.