Sun International Plans One More South African Casino

SOUTH AFRICA – As reported by the South Africa Sunday Times: "Hotel and gaming group Sun International (SUI) has one last new casino on the cards for its South African operations - the Worcester casino in the winelands of the Western Cape - but will shortly be turning its focus mainly overseas for new growth opportunities, according to CEO Peter Bacon.

"Bacon, who has announced his retirement at the end of Sun International's current financial year to June 30, 2006, after 33 years of working with the company, was speaking to I-Net Bridge following the release of the company's 2005 results.

"…Sun International already has interests in and operates eight casinos in South Africa, boasting a presence in all of the country's major cities and even some much smaller ones.

"…Sun International's last casino to be built in South Africa, at least for the medium-term, will be in Worcester, where Winelands Casino (Pty) Ltd, the joint venture company in which it holds a 40% stake, has been awarded a gaming license. Its partners in the project are the same as those at GrandWest, with Grand Parade Investments (GPI) holding 50% and Afrisun Leisure 10%…"