NEW YORK, Dec 14, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - US group MGM Resorts announced Monday
it had sold the operations for the famous Mirage hotel and casino in Las
Vegas to Hard Rock International for $1.08 billion.

   MGM bought the Mirage, which opened in 1989, in 2000.

   Located on the iconic Vegas strip, the main artery of nightlife and
gambling in Sin City, the hotel is known for the artificial volcano at its
entrance, which "erupts" repeatedly every night.

   Under the terms of the agreement, MGM Resorts will retain the rights to
the name and brand "The Mirage." Hard Rock International -- the parent
company of the restaurant chain Hard Rock Cafe -- is granted a three-year
free license to run the hotel while finding a new name.

   The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in
the second half of 2022. Once various fees have been deducted, it should
bring in $815 million for MGM.

   Hard Rock said in a statement that it "plans to build an iconic Guitar-
shaped Hotel which will be located on the famous Las Vegas Strip."

   The press release featured an artist's projection of a blue guitar with an
amputated neck, divided into floors, in front of the Mirage.

   The group has already built a 638-room hotel in the shape of its trademark
guitar symbol in Florida.