Country for PR: United States
Contributor: PR Newswire New York
Friday, October 15 2021 - 22:00
AsiaNet
Okada Manila, Owner of The Leading Integrated Gaming Resort in the Philippines, and 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: ADER), Announce Plans to Merge, Resulting in Okada Manila Becoming a Publicly Traded Company
MANILA, Philippines and MIAMI and TOKYO, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

  -- Transaction values Okada Manila at an enterprise value of $2.6 billion 
     and an equity value of $2.5 billion.
  -- Universal Entertainment, the parent company of Okada Manila, is rolling 
     100% of its equity in the company. 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. to 
     provide up to $275M of cash to the business.
  -- Okada Manila, located in Entertainment City, where the casino gaming 
     market grew 24% annually from 2013-2019, is the largest integrated 
     resort in the Philippines in terms of gross floor area and gaming floor 
     area, and amongst the largest casinos in the world. Okada Manila is 
     the only Japanese owned and operated integrated resort in the world.  
  -- Okada Manila is expected to have tremendous future growth by tapping 
     into significant pent-up demand after the easing of travel and hospitality 
     restrictions. This transaction allows the company to expand in the 
     Philippines and look outside its current market to other growth markets.
  -- The 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. team is led by Jason Ader, who has an 
     extensive track record in the gaming and hospitality industries, including 
     with Las Vegas Sands Corp. – where he served as an independent director 
     from 2009-2016 – IGT, The Stars Group and Playtech.

Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc., operating as Okada Manila, one of 
the premier destination casino resorts in Asia and the largest integrated 
resort in the Philippines, along with Miami-based publicly traded special 
purpose acquisition company, 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: ADER), 
announced today that they have entered into a merger agreement, which will 
result in Okada Manila becoming a publicly traded company listed on Nasdaq. The 
transaction implies an enterprise value for Okada Manila of $2.6 billion and is 
anticipated to provide Okada Manila with up to $275 million in cash. Upon 
closing of the transaction, the publicly traded company will have its common 
stock listed on the Nasdaq through an American Depository Receipt program.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1661166/26_Capital_Logo.jpg 
Logo -  https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1661167/Okada_Manila_Logo.jpg 

The transaction includes significant strategic alignment as Jason Ader, head of 
26 Capital Acquisition Corp., intends to leverage his renowned expertise in 
gaming, gaming technology, lodging, entertainment, and internet commerce for 
the benefit of Okada Manila. Having 26 Capital as a partner will allow Okada 
Manila to leverage 26 Capital's expertise in those areas to help unlock value 
and drive growth opportunities for the company.  

Okada Manila, the only Japanese owned and operated casino in the world, is the 
largest (in terms of gross floor area and gaming floor area) and most luxurious 
integrated resort in the Philippines and amongst the largest in the world. 
Okada Manila resort sits on over 50 acres of prime waterfront real estate in 
Entertainment City, Manila. The resort currently boasts nearly 35,000 square 
meters of gaming space and has the capacity to operate 599 gaming tables and 
4,263 electronic gaming machines. Upon full completion of construction in 2022, 
Okada Manila will have licensed capacity to operate 974 gaming tables and 6,890 
electronic gaming machines. When fully completed, Okada Manila will feature two 
towers with 993 luxury hotel rooms, a retail boulevard with capacity for more 
than 50 shops, Cove Manila night club and indoor beach club, more than 25 
dining options, and one of the world's largest multicolor dancing and musical 
fountains. The Okada Manila resort cost $3.3 billion to construct and began to 
progressively open throughout 2019 following the completion of its first hotel 
tower. In 2022, following full construction completion, the property will be 
able to operate at full capacity for the first time. 

Okada Manila has the leading gaming operating capacity in Entertainment City, a 
market that grew by 24% annually between 2013 and 2019 and achieved gross 
gaming revenue (GGR) in 2019 of over $3.3 billion. In addition to being a major 
tourist destination and one of the fastest growing gaming markets in Asia, the 
Philippines provides a very favorable environment for gaming businesses 
relative to competing geographies due to competitive labor costs, no corporate 
tax for gaming revenue, and gaming licenses that are coterminous with PAGCOR, 
the local gaming regulator, with a franchise that is renewable indefinitely. In 
addition to significant future growth expected from domestic and tourist gaming 
visitors, Okada Manila will also benefit from the newly regulated online 
domestic gaming market, the opportunity to potentially expand through 
utilization of excess land in the Philippines, and potential participation in a 
future integrated resort development in Japan. 

Following the expected closing of the merger, Okada Manila will continue to be 
led by President Byron Yip, CFO Hans Van Der Sande and its world class 
leadership team. Universal Entertainment Corporation, Okada Manila's parent 
company and the current owner of 100% of its equity, will retain all of its 
current holdings in Okada Manila in the newly publicly traded company.

Commenting on today's announcement, Byron Yip said: "Okada Manila is at the 
heart of the gaming and hospitality business in Asia. We are fortunate to 
operate the most luxurious integrated resort in the Philippines, and excited to 
realize the full potential of this state-of-the-art facility for gaming, 
entertainment, and hospitality as a public company and in partnership with 
Jason Ader of 26 Capital."

"Okada Manila is the future of the gaming market in Asia and poised for 
tremendous growth," said Jason Ader Chairman of the Board of Directors and 
Chief Executive Officer of 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. "With its beautiful new 
facility, a desirable location in one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in 
the world, and potential for industry-leading margins and cash flow conversion, 
I believe the Okada Manila is an extremely compelling investment."

Jun Fujimoto, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal 
Entertainment Corp. said: "Today marks an exciting milestone for Okada Manila 
and for Universal Entertainment. Universal Entertainment has always taken great 
pride as the owner and developer of Okada Manila, and we are extremely pleased 
to partner with Jason Ader and 26 Capital to introduce Okada Manila to the 
public markets. We look forward to continuing our strong support for the 
business and to a path of immense growth ahead."

Transaction Overview
The business combination values Okada Manila at an enterprise value of $2.6 
billion and at an equity value of $2.5billion. 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. is 
anticipated to provide up to $275 million of cash held in 26 Capital's trust 
account from its initial public offering in January 2021. Okada Manila intends 
to use 26 Capital Acquisition Corp.'s available cash for growth opportunities 
and general corporate purposes.

Universal Entertainment Corp. will roll 100% of its equity in the transaction 
and is expected to own approximately 88% of the combined company at closing, 
assuming no redemptions by shareholders of 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. This is 
subject to dilution if further capital is raised as part of the transaction 
prior to closing. 

The Boards of Directors of both 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. and Okada Manila 
have unanimously approved the proposed transaction. The transaction is expected 
to close in the first half of 2022 and is subject to approval by 26 Capital 
stockholders and other customary closing conditions.

Investor Conference Call Information
Okada Manila and 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. will host a joint investor 
conference call to discuss the proposed transaction on Monday October 18, 2021, 
at 8:30 a.m. EDT. Interested parties may listen to the webcast ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3324538-1&h=694124230&u=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__viavid.webcasts.com_starthere.jsp-3Fei-3D1505466-26tp-5Fkey-3D8ff40a5e88%26d%3DDwMGaQ%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3DHyEwRxK7HZtPThZXMtpbOw%26m%3D1qoo7GP64UEUHj6DsOYYB9SUoNsH3Qgsj1LMYDaC89M%26s%3DLpU_jckQRLJGCSO9tBL8hiLqdLXsayO4KRi1Kpf19Go%26e%3D&a=webcast 
) found on 26 Capital's IR website ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3324538-1&h=4277665802&u=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__spac26.com_%26d%3DDwMGaQ%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3DHyEwRxK7HZtPThZXMtpbOw%26m%3D1qoo7GP64UEUHj6DsOYYB9SUoNsH3Qgsj1LMYDaC89M%26s%3Da64KjUyubkOs6wfZyTgXV7dT9WMrQLyWUJBT_vI_2c4%26e%3D&a=IR+website 
) or by dialing 1-877-407-0789 (US) or 1-201-689-8562 (international). In 
addition, a recording of the call will be posted to 26 Capital's IR website at 
https://www.spac26.com.

Additional information about the proposed business combination, including a 
copy of the investor presentation, will be provided in a Current Report on Form 
8-K to be filed by 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. with the SEC and available at 
www.sec.gov. The investor presentation can also be found on 26 Capital 
Acquisition Corp.'s website at https://www.spac26.com.

Advisors
Baker McKenzie Tokyo and Milbank LLP served as legal counsel for Universal 
Entertainment Corporation and Okada Manila. Schulte Roth & Zabel served as 
legal counsel for 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. 

About Okada Manila
Okada Manila is the premier casino and integrated resort in Entertainment City, 
Manila. Okada Manila is the largest integrated resort in the Philippines and 
amongst the largest in the world. Located in one of the fastest-growing gaming 
markets in Asia, Okada Manila sits on over 50 acres of land, and upon final 
completion will have licensed capacity to operate 974 gaming tables and 6,890 
electronic gaming machines and have nearly 1,000 luxury hotel rooms.

About Universal Entertainment Corp.
Universal Entertainment (TSE: 6425) is a key player in the Asian integrated 
resorts business through its ownership of the Okada Manila hotel and casino. 
Universal is also a leading manufacturer of gaming machines in Japan where it 
designs, produces and distributes Pachinko and Pachislot machines.

About 26 Capital Acquisition Corp.
26 Capital Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: ADER) is a Nasdaq-listed blank check 
company formed for the purpose of creating stockholder value by identifying an 
acquisition target with significant growth opportunities that the 26 Capital 
team can enhance by utilizing its experience and track record of creating and 
unlocking value, with particular focus in gaming, gaming technology, lodging, 
and entertainment. 26 Capital is led by Jason Ader of SpringOwl Asset 
Management. Mr. Ader has over 26 years of experience as an institutional 
investor, asset manager, and research analyst, with particular expertise in the 
gaming and hospitality industries. SpringOwl Asset Management has raised more 
than $1 billion in capital since it was founded in 2013.

Participants in the Solicitation
26 Capital Acquisition Corp. and certain of its directors and executive 
officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from 26 
Capital Acquisition Corp.'s stockholders with respect to the proposed business 
combination transaction. A list of the names of those directors and executive 
officers and a description of their interests in 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. 
is set forth in 26 Capital Acquisition Corp.'s filings with the SEC (including 
26 Capital Acquisition Corp.'s final prospectus related to its initial public 
offering (File No. 333-251682) dated as of January 14, 2021), and are available 
free of charge at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request 
to 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., 701 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida 33131, 
attention: Jason Ader. Additional information regarding the interests of such 
participants will be contained in the prospectus/proxy statement for the 
proposed business combination transaction when available.

Okada Manila and certain of their directors and executive officers may also be 
deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders 
of 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. in connection with the proposed business 
combination transaction. A list of the names of such directors and executive 
officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed business 
combination transaction will be included in the registration/proxy statement 
for the proposed business combination transaction when available.

No Offer or Solicitation
This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent or 
authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed 
business combination transaction. This press release shall also not constitute 
an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor 
shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which 
such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or 
qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of 
the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation 
Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are provided for 
illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be 
relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a 
definitive statement of fact or probability. Okada Manila's actual results may 
differ from their expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, 
you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of 
future events. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," 
"forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," 
"believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions (or 
the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify 
such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, 
without limitation, 26 Capital Acquisition Corp.'s and Okada Manila's 
expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial 
impacts of the business combination transaction.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties 
that could cause the actual results to differ materially, and potentially 
adversely, from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. 
Most of these factors are outside 26 Capital Acquisition Corp.'s and Okada 
Manila's control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such 
differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the outcome of any legal 
proceedings that may be instituted against 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. and/or 
Okada Manila following the consummation of the business combination 
transaction; (2) the impact of COVID-19 and related regulatory responses (such 
as local community quarantine and international travel restrictions) on Okada 
Manila's business; (3) the dependence of Okada Manila's business on its casino 
gaming license; (4) the inability to maintain the listing of Okada Manila's 
common shares on the Nasdaq following the consummation of the business 
combination transaction; (5) the risk that the business combination transaction 
disrupts current plans and operations; (6) the ability to recognize the 
anticipated benefits of the business combination transaction, which may be 
affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Okada Manila to 
grow and manage growth profitably, and retain its key employees; (7) costs 
related to the business combination transaction; (8) changes in applicable laws 
or regulations; and (9) the possibility that Okada Manila may be adversely 
affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. The foregoing 
list of factors is not exclusive. All subsequent written and oral 
forward-looking statements concerning 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. or Okada 
Manila, the transactions described herein or other matters and attributable to 
26 Capital Acquisition Corp., Okada Manila or any person acting on their behalf 
are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. 
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking 
statements, which speak only as of the date made. Each of 26 Capital 
Acquisition Corp. and Okada Manila expressly disclaims any obligations or 
undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking 
statements contained herein to reflect any change in their expectations with 
respect thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which 
any statement is based, except as required by law.

Use of data
The data contained herein is derived from various internal and external sources 
we believe to be reliable. Although we are not aware of any misstatements 
regarding the external data presented herein, our estimates involve risks and 
uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including 
those described under "Forward-Looking Statements" above. Any data on past 
performance or modeling contained herein is not an indication as to future 
performance, and each of 26 Capital Acquisition Corp and Okada Manila disclaims 
any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise the information 
in this presentation, whether as a result of new information, future events or 
otherwise.

Source - 26 Capital

CONTACT: Media Contacts: Robert Ford, 5W Public Relations, (646) 430-5164, 
rford@5wpr.com; Laura Tyther, 5W Public Relations, (332) 237-6222, 
ltyther@5wpr.com; Investor Relations Contact: OkadaIR@icrinc.com 
Translations

Japanese