Waiting Period Expired for Proposed Acquisition of Aztar

FORT MITCHELL, Kentucky -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Columbia Entertainment, the gaming affiliate of Columbia Sussex Corporation, and Aztar Corporation (NYSE: AZR) today announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 regarding Columbia Entertainment's proposed acquisition of Aztar Corporation has expired.

As announced on May 19, 2006, Columbia Entertainment entered into a definitive merger agreement with Aztar under which it will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Aztar for $54.00 per share in cash. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of necessary gaming approvals, and is expected to close by the end of the year.