Hard Rock eyes expansion with rights acquisition

Hard Rock International has completed the acquisition of casino and hotel-casino rights from BREF HR, LLC, opening the door to new properties in the western U.S. and several key international markets.

The rights acquired from BREF HR, LLC – which own the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas – were originally separated from Hard Rock International's portfolio more than three decades ago. As a result of the transaction, Hard Rock International is now exclusively entitled to develop, own, license, franchise and manage Hard Rock Casinos and Hotel-Casinos in the western U.S., including Minnesota and state west of the Mississippi River, as well as in Australia, Brazil, Israel, Venezuela and Vancouver. BREF HR, LLC affiliates will continue to own and operate the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

"This is an historic day for the brand and we could not be prouder to announce this acquisition that we believe ignites the path for further expansion around the globe," said Jim Allen, Hard Rock International's chairman. "With the newly-acquired rights, the Hard Rock brand has now been united for the first time in more than 35 years under one controlling ownership, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, allowing for globally consistent customer service and standards at all of our locations."

As part of the contract, Hard Rock International also assumed the agreements between BREF HR, LLC and their existing licensees, including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, Nev.; Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, Iowa; Hard Rock Hotel & CasinoTulsa, Okla.; and Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.