UpdateMGM raises China stake in US$325 million pact with partner Pansy Ho

MGM Resorts International acquired more shares in its China unit in a deal valued at about US$325 million with Pansy Ho, the daughter of gambling mogul Stanley Ho, who will add to her stake in the Las Vegas-based parent company.

The transaction lets MGM increase its stake in MGM China Holdings Ltd. to 56 per cent from 51 per cent, according to a statement Tuesday. The company will pay Ho’s holding company $100 million, give her about $175 million in stock and dole out $50 million in deferred payments in lieu of the dividends she would have received for holding the shares.

The agreement tightens the bonds between MGM and Ho, who has been the company’s partner in China for more than a decade, while also letting her diversify her holdings beyond China.

Ho also agreed to acquire 4 million shares from Tracinda Corp. at $25 apiece, giving her a stake of 4.8 perc ent in MGM once all her transactions are complete. Tracinda was run by billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, who died last year.