Castaways owners lose bid for Fitzgeralds

By David Strow
<strow@lasvegassun.com>
LAS VEGAS SUN
March 22, 2001
Detroit businessman Don Barden has come one step closer to acquiring Fitzgeralds hotel-casino, following a bankruptcy court's approval of his plans to buy the struggling downtown Las Vegas property.

On Monday, a Reno bankruptcy judge approved Barden's proposal to acquire Fitzgeralds properties in Las Vegas, Tunica, Miss., and Black Hawk, Colo., for $149 million. Closing of the deal hinges on Barden's ability to obtain financing and to receive gaming licenses from Nevada, Mississippi and Colorado gaming regulators.

"We're very close on financing ... financing is not an issue on this deal right now," said Jef Bauer, vice president of marketing for Barden's Majestic Star Casino. "On the licensing end, we fully expect to be licensed and approved in all three states later this year. We're very optimistic it will move along quickly."

Read this entire article in The Las Vegas Sun.