Macau concessionaire SJM has confirmed it will acquire satellite casino L’Arc and its associated facilities as part of a HK$1.75 billion (US$225 million) transaction but will not proceed with previously stated efforts to take ownership of Inner Harbour satellite Ponte 16.
In a series of announcements issued Thursday afternoon, SJM revealed it has entered into an agreement to acquire Arc of Triumph Development Company Limited – controlled by SJM’s own co-Chairman and Executive Director Angela Leong – which owns L’Arc Hotel and Casino L’Arc Macau as well as various retail and F&B outlets on the premises. L’Arc is located in the heart of the Macau peninsula’s entertainment zone on the same strip occupied by MGM Macau, Wynn Macau and StarWorld.
The acquisition is, SJM said, subject to approval by the company’s independent shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting, as well as the necessary regulatory approvals from Macau authorities.
“L’Arc Hotel is centrally located within the active cluster of gaming, hospitality and visitor traffic on the Macau Peninsula, where the combined pull of surrounding landmarks and attractions creates opportunities that few locations can match,” said SJM Holdings Chairman and Executive Director, Daisy Ho.
“With the casino currently operating below its full potential, we see considerable room for growth as part of a stronger, integrated network under SJM Resorts. 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.
“Our priority is to ensure a smooth transition for employees and to continue contributing to Macau’s tourism economy.”
While SJM had earlier this year stated its intention to wholly-acquire both L’Arc and Ponte 16 before the mandatory closure of all satellite casinos becomes effective on 1 January 2026, the company said it would no longer pursue Ponte 16 following “a thorough assessment of long-term business planning, commercial considerations and resource prioritization across the Group’s portfolio”.
As such, it has reached a mutual agreement with Pier 16 Entertainment Group Corporation Limited – of which it owns a 51% stake alongside the 49% interest of Hong Kong-listed Success Universe – to bring forward the cessation of services at Casino Ponte 16 to next Friday 28 November 2025 at 11:59pm. All gaming tables and gaming machines currently operating at the location will subsequently be redeployed to other casinos owned by SJM.
The acquisition of L’Arc and termination of discussions over Ponte 16 leaves just three Macau satellite casinos operational – for the time being at least – in Landmark, Casino Kam Pek and Fortuna.
It will also leave, following the impending closure of those properties, just five casinos under SJM’s control: Grand Lisboa Palace, Grand Lisboa, Casino Lisboa, Oceanus at Jai Alai and L’Arc.
In announcing the acquisition of L’Arc, SJM said the transaction would allow it to “optimize deployment of its gaming resources and elevate the property’s performance and profitability.
“By securing a prime location within the city’s most commercially productive entertainment cluster and enhancing its foothold in this high-density catchment area, SJM Resorts is better placed to retain geocentrically loyal customers in the Macau Peninsula, unlocking deeper synergies across its Lisboa-branded properties, improving customer circulation and broadening market reach,” it explained.
“Over the long term, SJM Resorts remains fully committed to strengthening the Peninsula’s urban fabric, enhancing the quality of tourism offerings and advancing Macau’s further development as a ‘World Centre of Tourism and Leisure’, contributing to the city’s sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.”
