Empire Resorts

Joele Frank is guiding Empire Resorts as it agrees to be acquired by majority owner Kien Huat Realty and Genting Malaysia, global gambling operation.

Formed in 1993, Empire owns Resorts World Catskills, hotel/casino located in Sullivan County 90 miles from New York City, and Monticello Raceway, upstate harness horseracing track.

The $9.74 per-share takeover offer represents a 15 percent premium over the August 16 closing price of the NASDAQ-listed company.

Empire CEO Ryan Eller called the deal a "win-win" for shareholders, employees, customers, creditors and Catskill communities.

The transaction provides Empire the financial and operational backing to advance its mission of "delivering a winning combination of luxury facilities, quality entertainment and exceptional customer service," said Eller.

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher's Matthew Sherman and Ed Trissel are working the deal.