In the United States, MANDALAY RESORT GROUP has accepted an improved takeover offer from its rival MGM MIRAGE. The merger of the two players will give rise to the largest operator in the sector with a combined turnover of 6.5 billion dollars (on the basis of the 2003 financial year figures) and over 70,000 staff. The overall value of the operation for the purchaser rises to 7.9 billion dollars, at 71 dollars per share. See also IE of 9 June.