CTFE submits casino operator shortlist to run Baha Mar

Hong Kong-based conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) has submitted a formal plan to operate the unfinished $3.5b Baha Mar integrated resort in the Bahamas.

Last month, CTFE confirmed that it was in talks to buy Baha Mar from its principal creditor, the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM). On Monday, Bahamian government representatives confirmed receiving CTFE’s formal proposal last week and said the government was in the process of reviewing it.

The Bahamas Tribune quoted Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe saying CTFE’s proposal included a shortlist of casino firms that CTFE is considering for the job of running the property’s gaming operations. Wilchcombe said the government was now in the process of performing due diligence on CTFE’s suggested operators.

Wilchcombe declined to offer specifics on what names CTFE had submitted, but said CTFE was “going to pretty much follow what they’ve done in other jurisdictions where they have major casino operators from veterans in the industry.” Wilchcombe said the government was “looking at all the components, we have to take a look at what they do now.”