Friday, December 26, 2008

Sault Tribe of Chippewa Have Until February 1, 2009 To File Plan For Exit From Bankruptcy For Greektown Casino

Greektown Casino, which has been operating under bankruptcy protection since May 29, 2008, has until February 1, 2009 to file a plan for an exit from bankruptcy.

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa, the tribal owners of the casino, are currently analyzing the various options available to the Tribe. One option is the sale of the casino, which would end the outflow of money from the Tribe to the casino, estimated at $47 million in 2008 alone. These cash infusions required the Tribe to lay off tribal employees, and suspend certain tribal benefits. However, the sale option would prevent the Tribe from enjoying any of the potential upside when (or if) the Detroit casino market recovers. In addition, there are few potential buyers for the casino, given the current status of the credit markets, and the global economy.

A second option is the continued ownership of the casino, which will require restructuring of the debt of the casino, and would likely involve more cash contributions from the Tribe.

Stay tuned. . .

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