Aztar Corp.

The proposed merger would make Ameristar the fifth largestpublicly traded owner and operator of gaming properties in the US,with annual revenues of about $2 billion. If the deal ultimately isapproved, Ameristar's seven-property portfolio, totaling 1,193hotel rooms and 449,000 sf, would expand to 12 properties with774,000 sf and 5,757 rooms.

Of particular interest is the 61,000-sf Las Vegas Tropicana, amajor Aztar property. Ameristar, also a Las Vegas-based operation,views the 34-acre tract as more compelling than thehotel-entertainment-gaming complex itself. "Tropicana Las Vegaswould provide Ameristar with an outstanding developmentopportunity. There's ample land there to pursue additionalnon-gaming opportunities as well," Craig Neilsen, Ameristar'schairman, president and CEO said this morning in a conference callto announce the offer.