MGM selling Circus Circus, huge stake in Bellagio

MGM Resorts International said late Tuesday it is selling its Circus Circus casino resort in Las Vegas and a huge interest in its Bellagio resort. MGM shares rose 0.5% after hours, following a 0.4% decline to end the session at $27.87. The company said it was entering a joint venture with Blackstone Group Inc.'s Real Estate Income Trust in a sale-leaseback deal for $4.25 billion, where MGM will have a 5% stake in the JV. The sale is expected to close by the end of the year. MGM also said it is selling Circus Circus for $825 million to an affiliate of Treasure Island owner Phil Ruffin. The deal is made up of $662.5 million in cash and a $162.5 million note due 2024.

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