Vegas firm in merger deal

Tuesday, July 23, 2002 | 11:14 a.m.

The Players Network, a Las Vegas company that provides in-room gaming information and entertainment for casino hotels, said today it agreed to be acquired by Northfield Inc. of Toronto for $4.16 million or 32 cents per Players Network share.

Players Chief Executive Mark Bradley said the deal will facilitate creation of a gaming entertainment channel that would be delivered to consumers via radio, satellite TV, cable TV and other broadband networks. The channel will offer interactive programming for consumers interested in gambling.

He said Players, which has seven employees, will be a Northfield subsidiary and continue to be based in Las Vegas, where much of the gaming channel's programming will originate. Players currently serves 14 casino-hotels including Station Casinos Inc. properties and a Trump casino in New Jersey.

Northfield now provides bingo entertainment on Canadian television.

"Players and Northfield share the vision of creating an international media brand for the gaming enthusiast," Bradley said.

"Players is an ideal strategic partner for our media and broadcasting properties and our commitment to launch The Gaming Channel concept in both Canada and the USA," William Rutsey, incoming CEO of Northfield, said. "The combination will give Northfield the most comprehensive gaming-centric broadcasting portfolio anywhere, carrying with it the potential for prolonged significant growth."

Players also owns PlayersNetwork.com, a broadband gaming and entertainment Internet portal, which includes original gaming content, e-commerce and full-streaming video programming.