Â鶹ֱ²¥ & Lardner LLP represented Housatonic Partners and Universal Gaming Group (UGG), an Illinois route-gaming operator, in UGG’s recent combination with Gaming & Entertainment Management – Illinois LLC (GEM), a subsidiary of global hospitality and entertainment company Delaware North.
The newly formed entity, Universal GEM Gaming LLC, is now the fourth-largest route-gaming operator in Illinois, the largest route-gaming market in the U.S., with approximately 2,500 Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) supported by 125 employees statewide. The combination of UGG and GEM strengthens the partners’ route-gaming business in Illinois and positions Universal GEM Gaming for future growth, with an expanded geographic footprint and the ability to leverage the operational strengths of both companies.
The Â鶹ֱ²¥ deal team was led by partners Susan Pravda and Alexander Miska and included associates Megan Fouse, Ellie O’Neill, and Bayleigh Sauerwald. Additional subject matter support was provided by partners Kathleen Bardunias, Chanley Howell, Casey Knapp, Christopher McKenna, John Palmer, and Joshua Roling, of counsel Mark Neuberger, senior counsels Nicholas Johnson and Sonia Kothari, and associate Gage Maurer.
