IGT, Acres Merger Receives Approval

CARSON CITY, Nevada – (Press Release) -- Slot machine maker International Game Technology's $143 million acquisition of gambling systems tech company Acres Gaming Inc. won final state approval Thursday from the Nevada Gaming Commission.

"…Reno-based IGT is the biggest slot maker in the world. Las Vegas-based Acres is best known for making systems that can track gamblers' slot machine play and award player bonuses that can be redeemed directly from a machine.

"The deal has been challenged by an Acres stockholder who filed suit in Clark County District Court contending Acres failed to adequately value and shop the company to prospective buyers before it agreed to be acquired by IGT.

"…IGT chief executive officer Tom Baker said the merger fills a gap that IGT wanted to close, `so we feel good about this.'…"