Seminole Tribe of Florida to Acquire Hard Rock Cafe and Assets

December 7, 2006

The Seminole Tribe of Florida today announced that it will purchase the Hard Rock business from the Rank Group plc for a total purchase price of $965 million. The deal includes the company’s 124 Hard Rock Cafes, four hotels, two casinos and concert venues, as well as stakes in three unbranded hotels.

Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP is representing Merrill Lynch as Sole Lead Arranger and Initial Purchaser in a related bond financing of $500 million to fund the acquisition.