In Brief: BT to Back Harrah's $1.2B Showboat Deal

Bankers Trust Co. has issued a letter to Harrah's Entertainment Inc. saying that it is "highly confident" it can raise money for the company's $1.2 billion acquisition of Showboat Inc.

Memphis-based Harrah's announced Dec. 19 that it would buy Las Vegas- based Showboat for $519 million in cash, and assume $635 million of its debt.

Harrah's said that Bankers Trust, the administrative agent on its existing $150 million credit facility, is committed to provide a portion of the financing. Harrah's said the bank also said it was confident it could arrange refinancing of the Showboat debt. BT Wolfensohn and Morgan Stanley & Co. advised Harrah's on the transaction. The deal is expected to be completed during the second quarter.

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