STATESIDE BMM qp strip CI Feb26.indd 1


Bang for Buck


Which do you consider more important and valuable: relationships or tangible assets? Sharon Harris asks the questions…


not historically owned or influenced gaming organizations.


When the original Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) movie studios formed in the mid-1920s, it enjoyed an amazing history as the “grande dame” among Hollywood’s film makers. A century ago, limited communication opportunities offered giant news/publications moguls William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer unprecedented power to sway public opinion and interests.


Hearst’s longtime relationship with actress Marion Davies motivated his key interest in MGM. Hearst demanded that MGM showcase Davies in great movie roles to secure his promotion of MGM films across the Hearst publishing empire.


MGM head Louie B. Mayer understood the compromise to continue MGM’s rise, especially during the 1930s Depression years and the introduction of sound “talkies” in the late 1920s.


I


n business, the ideal scenario is to combine relationships and tangible assets to get the most “bang for your buck.” That premise may become reality for MGM Resorts International and giant media conglomerate People Inc.


Barry Diller, People’s CEO/Chairman, wants to purchase the remaining 73.9 percent of MGM stock that his company does not already own. Priced at $48.30 per share, it totals more than $18 billion.


People, Inc. is not new to MGM. During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Diller quietly staked a claim and purchased its initial bulk stock shares from MGM.


14 JULY 2026


This proposed buy comes right after another potential purchase if Tilman Fertitta can buy Caesars Entertainment for $17.6 billion. I reported this development in my June column. That yes or no deadline is fast approaching this month.


So, who is billionaire Barry Diller and why would he want this at 84 years old? His long career spans the television, media and hospitality industries. Diller has served on numerous boards and has been a “king maker” to many media and Internet executives. The guy is big time, but this acquisition plan for MGM turns the usual course of gaming operations on its head. Media companies have


The superstar company thrived for more than 50 years. Sadly, in the 1970s-1980s, after decades of moving-making genius, MGM downgraded the movie division to primarily focus on hotels and casinos.


If the acquisition goes through, the shake-up will affect two of the most recognized, successful brands in their respective industries. What is their mutual synergy? Both bring their own benefits as their objectives overlap. In this era of social media, Internet, endless broadcast and cable television networks, streaming platforms and email, People, Inc.’s many media outlets have a massive audience range.


MGM management owns one of the world’s


11/2/26 09:54


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