Seminole Tribe buying Hard Rock cafe business

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16090321/

LONDON - The Seminole Tribe of Florida is buying the Hard Rock business, including its massive collection of rock ’n’ roll memorabilia, in a $965 million deal with British casino and hotel company Rank Group PLC, the tribe announced Thursday.

The Hard Rock business includes 124 Hard Rock Cafes, four Hard Rock Hotels, two Hard Rock Casino Hotels, two Hard Rock Live! concert venues, and stakes in three unbranded hotels.

With it, the tribe acquires what is said to be the world’s largest collection of rock memorabilia, some 70,000 pieces including Jimi Hendrix’s Flying V guitar, one of Madonna’s bustiers, a pair of Elton John’s high-heeled shoes and guitars formerly owned by Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Chuck Berry.

“This is a proud moment for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and for all Indian tribes,” said Mitchell Cypress, chairman of the elected Tribal Council. “It is also an opportunity for the Seminole Tribe to diversify its business operations and help a very successful company to achieve even greater growth.”

Chief Jim Billie just wants his own venue so his band will always have a gig.

they'd own a lot more than this.

have actually done pretty well with bingo, gambling and cigerettes. Plus, I think they are one of the only tribes that never signed a peace treaty with the US.

"vices". I realize that's how they had to start out, but once they have $$$ they can have more mainstream investments.

Technically, the Seminole are still at war with the US of A. They were expert swamp warriors back in the day and never were defeated. :toast:

they will make enough money to buy back some of their stolen land.