Hong Kong’s Oshidori International Holdings has shed some light on the termination of its brief partnership with European casino operator Partouche Group, explaining that the two companies held “differences in vision and strategies” when it came to developing an integrated resort in Japan.
As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, Partouche issued a press release on Monday announcing that it had terminated its partnership with Oshidori for an IR in Nagasaki on 19 May 2020 but insisting it “remains attentive to the evolution of IR development projects and remains interested in having the opportunity to participate in one of them.”
The announcement was notable for the fact that it came almost three months after the fact.
On Tuesday, Oshidori issued a statement of its own in which it clarified that it had entered into a preliminary MOU with Partouche in 2019 to explore potential collaboration possibilities.
Those discussions “did not result in any collaboration opportunities due to differences in vision and strategies,” Oshidori said.
“As the discussion was at a very preliminary stage and both parties were not involved in any actual collaborative efforts with no resulting definitive agreement, Oshidori does not believe such termination would have any impact on the company’s bid for Nagasaki nor pose a threat.
“As is widely known, Oshidori has since brought on industry veteran and legendary IR boss, Alex Yemenidjian, to run the IR project and is working vigorously to bring the best possible IR experience to Nagasaki. Under the leadership of the new CEO, Oshidori will present a bid far more exciting than any other project.”
Referencing the delayed timing of Partouche’s press release, Oshidori said it “cannot comment if the statement is intended to find another IR partner as a result of recent lockdowns. Nevertheless, Oshidori wishes Groupe Partouche success in the company’s future endeavors.”