MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS: With deal, stability - 2004-02-10
The $1.3 billion merger between Boyd Gaming Corp. and Coast Casinos will probably help jump-start redevelopment of the Stardust as a world-class resort and stabilize the locals casino market in Las Vegas, Wall Street analysts and industry experts said Monday.

Goldman Sachs analyst Steve Kent called the transaction a "transforming" event for Boyd that will position the company to take advantage of future growth opportunities.

Joe Greff, gaming analyst at Fulcrum Global Partners, an independent Wall Street investment research firm, said a key to the deal is that it will help Boyd raise money to redevelop the 50-acre Stardust site without having to seek a partner
Read the full story at Las Vegas Review-Journal

Barden bid for Trump boat fails - 2004-02-10
Don Barden of Majestic Star Casino LLC attempted to buy the adjacent Trump’s Casino and Hotel in Gary for $225 million, according to published reports, but the deal fell apart last month because it fell short of Trump’s $250 million asking price.

Analysts say combining the two casinos would be a smart move because they are the two lowest-revenue producing boats in Northwest Indiana, and costs could be saved by having one owner.

One company at that location would likely generate twice as much money each month.
Read the full story at Gary Post Tribune