Operator News
Russia – Suncity increases ownership in Summit Ascent to 69.66 per cent
By Phil - 16 October 2020
Suncity Group Holdings has said it now has ‘every reason to drive businesses in Summit Ascent’ after increasing its stake in the owner of Tigre de Cristal in Russia from approximately 24.74 per cent to approximately 69.66 per cent via a rights issue.
Since the grand opening of Tigre de Cristal in November 2015, Tigre de Cristal has a track record of delivering strong local businesses in the past, thanks to the solid contributions by its local mass and slots businesses. These two segments have shown exemplary resilience in times of adversity such as temporary closure due to COVID-19. When travel restrictions normalise, the brand-new Suncity VIP room will be unveiled, a first time for Summit Ascent shareholders to leverage on Suncity’s experience and its vast gaming network and database. Given the proximity of Vladivostok to major Asian tourism markets such as South Korea and Japan, Suncity will help to target South Korean and Japanese tourists to Tigre de Cristal.
Suncity is confident of the long-term prospects of Summit Ascent. Not only does the gaming license granted by the Russian government lasts for an indefinite period of time, but also Tigre de Cristal benefits from lower gaming tax than other gaming jurisdictions, such as Macau. This means that there is a lot of room for Tigre de Cristal to offer attractive rebates, as well as the potential to capture these rebates with the help of Suncity to set up a Direct VIP business line. In addition, Summit Ascent’s financial stability as a cash-rich, zero-debt listed company allows Summit Ascent to plan, build and operate Tigre de Cristal Phase II with utmost confidence.
Summit Ascent possesses the development rights on two adjacent parcels of land, namely Lot 9 and Lot 10, in the Integrated Entertainment Zone in the Primorye region. Summit Ascent is currently refining the design and construction elements of the Phase II development on Lot 10. Phase II development will double the number of existing gaming tables and slot machines, significantly sizing up the lodging capacity of the existing property, as well as adding novel entertainment concepts such as new restaurants, bars, retail shops, an indoor beach club and convention space.
Chau Cheok Wa, Chairman of Suncity, also Chairman of Summit Ascent, said: “I am thrilled to see a second up-and-running integrated resort under Suncity in the year of 2020, amidst suboptimal business environment. I am amazed by the determination for Suncity to grow across Asia, and my team is executing my vision one step at a time. Gradually we are paving the way for Suncity to be a leading integrated resort operator and developer in Asia. As a businessman, I believe in operational track records. The resilience in the local Russian mass and slots businesses even in times of COVID, plus Suncity’s entertainment operating expertise can blend together to become the perfect potion for future success. Suncity will leverage on the proximity of Vladivostok to nearby tourism markets such as South Korea and Japan to roll out facilities tailored to these tourists. As more Suncity integrated resorts are on their way, I am convinced that Suncity will become the most iconic entertainment name amongst Asia’s integrated resort scene.”
Suncity also operates Hoiana, located in Central Vietnam, and is co-developing Westside City Integrated Resort in the heart of Entertainment City in Manila, the Philippines.
