SJM Holdings Buys L’Arc Hotel as Part of Macau Expansion

In a significant move, Macau's prominent casino operator, SJM Holdings Ltd, disclosed on Thursday that it has finalized an agreement amounting to HKD1.75 billion (around USD 224.8 million) to purchase L’Arc Hotel, a centrally located establishment that houses Casino L’Arc Macau, one of its satellite gaming facilities.

The acquisition is a step towards strengthening its presence in the region. SJM Holdings emphasized that L’Arc Hotel is integral to its 'core peninsula cluster,' a strategically important region that also includes the company’s renowned Casino Lisboa and Hotel Lisboa, as well as the Grand Lisboa property. These properties are in close proximity to the newly acquired hotel, facilitating operational efficiencies and potential growth.

Daisy Ho Chiu Fung, the chairman of SJM Holdings, expressed the company's optimism regarding the acquisition. She remarked, “With the casino [L’Arc Macau] currently operating below its full potential, we see considerable room for growth as part of a stronger, integrated network under SJM Resorts.” The statement was part of a prepared announcement shared on Thursday, highlighting the expected benefits of this strategic move.

Integrating L'Arc into SJM's Operations

Daisy Ho further commented on the strategic benefits of this transaction, stating, "This acquisition will allow us to enhance coordination across our peninsula properties in a unified structure that enhances operational efficiency and unlocks cross-promotional synergies.” This suggests a focused effort by SJM Holdings to consolidate its operations and maximize synergy across its gaming licenses and hospitality businesses.

Interestingly, the acquisition of L’Arc Hotel will result in its shift from a satellite casino structure to becoming a self-operated venue within SJM Holdings’ gaming operations. This change represents a significant shift in how the property will be managed. Previously operating under a service agreement, Casino L’Arc Macau will be completely absorbed into SJM Holdings’ core gaming structure.

The official deal was concluded with Goldarch Holdings Ltd and Solar King Investments Ltd, both British Virgin Islands incorporated entities. They are indirectly owned by Angela Leong On Kei, a notable co-chairman and executive director at SJM Holdings, who was also the fourth consort of the late founder of SJM Holdings, Stanley Ho Hung Sun.

Closing Details and Financial Implications

The acquisition, subject to the nod from SJM Holdings’ independent shareholders and pertinent regulatory approvals from Macau authorities, is scheduled to be completed by December 18. Upon finalization, SJM Holdings will absorb a significant loan liability of nearly HKD1.93 billion linked with L’Arc Hotel. The entire transaction involves SJM Holdings making a comprehensive payment of HKD1.75 billion for L’Arc Hotel.

This price encompasses the nominal purchase cost for the issued shares of the holding company and the repayment of a segment of the existing loan. However, a shortfall of approximately HKD177.53 million will be borne by the vendors, facilitated via a loan agreement with SJM Resorts.

In contrast to this acquisition, SJM Resorts Ltd announced the same day that it will not proceed with acquiring Casino Ponte 16 at the Ponte 16 resort in the Inner Harbour district as previously considered. This decision indicates a focused strategy to integrate L'Arc Hotel into its core operations, optimizing their resources to heighten performance across its associated properties.

Source: SJM says L'Arc Hotel part of 'core peninsula cluster' as agrees to acquire it for US$225mln, GGRAsia, November 20, 2025.

Posted by Wizard
Nov 20 2025