Harrah’s IPO Would Raise $500 Million

Harrah’s Entertainment Inc, the world’s largest casino operator by revenue, has finalized terms for an initial public offering that would raise about $500 million, according to Reuters, publisher of Buyouts.

Harrah’s said in a regulatory filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it hopes to sell 31.25 million shares, or about 9.3 percent of the company, for $15 to $17 each. It also said it would change its name to Caesars Entertainment Corp. and trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol “CZR.”

Harrah’s, controlled by private equity firms Apollo and TPG Capital, filed for the IPO in August. When the company went private for $27.4 billion in January 2008, it was one of the largest LBOs ever.

Separate from the IPO, Paulson & Co., a hedge fund manger that injected cash into the casino operator in June in exchange for equity, is planning to sell its 30.24 million-share stake in Harrah’s.

Harrah’s operates about 50 casinos, primarily in the United States and Britain. Most of the casinos operate under the Caesars, Harrah’s and Horseshoe brands. It also owns and operates the World Series of Poker tournament and brand.

Caesars has said previously it plans to use proceeds from the offering to fund retail, dining and entertainment developments between the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo in Las Vegas, among other projects.

After the IPO and Paulson’s share sale, the company expects to have total debt of about $18.95 billion compared and equity of $2.3 billion.

Clare Baldwin is a Reuters correspondent in New York. Richard Lee also contributed to this article.