Star, Crown merger would be a ‘company of scale’ on global platform

Star Entertainment CEO Matt Bekier says if his company merges with Crown Resorts it would create a company of scale that can compete on the global stage. The Star Entertainment Group has proposed a $12 billion merger with Crown Resorts in a deal which would create a gambling and hospitality empire spanning across seven properties in four states. United States investment company Blackstone has also made a bid for the embattled casino operator after regulators suspended Crown's gaming license at its new flagship Sydney casino in February. “With this company, the combined assets will be a company of scale on the global platform,” Mr Bekier told Sky News. “When COVID lifts and travel is back that positions us really well to take full advantage.” Aside from the offer price Mr Bekier said Star’s offer differs from competitors because of synergies but admitted up to 700 middle and senior management jobs would go. “We have synergies. We have estimate that there’s about $150 to $200 million of costs synergies. “We’ve been able to give guarantees to governments as well as the unions that the frontline, the customer serving staff will not be affected. “The frontline staff won’t be affected; this is really a corporate restructure.”