Great Canadian Entertainment and Semiahmoo First Nation Announce Purchase and Sale Agreement for Elements Casino Surrey

Great Canadian Entertainment and the SE-MI-AH-MU Development Corporation, the economic development arm of Semiahmoo First Nation (SE-MI-AH-MU) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by SE-MI-AH-MU from Great Canadian of Elements Casino Surrey.

Great Canadian’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction, which remains subject to financial commitments, customary closing conditions as well as customary approvals by the regulatory authorities and the City of Surrey, which owns the underlying real property at Elements Casino Surrey. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, the Company will provide transition services to SE-MI-AH-MU for up to one year post-closing.

“Today’s announcement marks the eighth agreement we have executed with B.C.-based First Nations for the sale of our B.C. operations. We are thrilled that the Semiahmoo First Nation is eager to enter the province’s casino sector with the purchase of Elements Casino Surrey. Our next step will be to continue to work with the SE-MI-AH-MU team to timely close this transaction and then work with SE-MI-AH-MU and the Elements Casino Surrey team members for long term success,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian.

“This acquisition represents an important step forward in strengthening economic opportunity for Semiahmoo First Nation and reaffirming our presence within our traditional territory as a strong and capable business entity. Through this new venture, we look forward to creating meaningful benefits for our people, supporting employment opportunities in the region, and contributing to the long-term well-being and prosperity of our community,” said Chief Harley Chappell of Semiahmoo First Nation.

McMillan is serving as legal counsel to Great Canadian and Munnings Law is serving as legal counsel to SE-MI-AH-MU.