Snuneymuxw First Nation acquires Casino Nanaimo in landmark deal

Company

Great Canadian Entertainment

Law Firm / Organization
McMillan LLP
Law Firm / Organization
Great Canadian Entertainment
Lawyer(s)

Katie Lever

Company

Petroglyph Development Group Ltd.

Law Firm / Organization
McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Government

Snuneymuxw First Nation

Law Firm / Organization
McCarthy Tétrault LLP

On June 24, 2024, Great Canadian Entertainment ("Great Canadian"), Canada’s leading gaming and hospitality company, agreed to sell its Vancouver Island property, Casino Nanaimo, to Petroglyph Development Group Ltd. ("Petroglyph"), a corporation owned by the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The historic transaction, unanimously approved by Great Canadian's Board of Directors, is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Under the agreement, Great Canadian will provide transition services to Petroglyph for up to two years post-closing. Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian, expressed confidence in Petroglyph's management to bring a new chapter for Casino Nanaimo, its guests, and team members.

Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse highlighted the significance of this partnership, emphasizing the benefits and economic growth it promises for the Snuneymuxw Nation and the local community. Erralyn Joseph, President of Petroglyph, announced the return of the associated land, part of the Snuneymuxw xwsol'lexwel village, once the deal is closed.

Ian Simpson, CEO of Petroglyph, noted the acquisition's potential to unlock unprecedented economic growth for Snuneymuxw.

Legal advisors for the deal included McMillan for Great Canadian and McCarthy Tétrault for Petroglyph, with KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. acting as financial advisor to Petroglyph.

Merger & Acquisition
Infrastructure
Undisclosed/Confidential
Active