The Greenbrier Resort
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS – An attorney for the family of U.S. Senator Jim Justice has released a statement regarding the impending closure of the casino at The Greenbrier resort.
The West Virginia Record reported August 12 that The Greenbrier plans to close its casino and lay off about 90 workers after the West Virginia Lottery Commission indicated it would not act quickly enough on a transaction connected to the Justice family’s proposed refinancing, according to a court filing.
The status report filed August 12 in the federal debt and receivership dispute says the casino shutdown is intended to allow a financing transaction involving Kennedy Lewis Investment Management to close without further delay. The defendants, which include the family of U.S. Senator Jim Justice and their businesses, said the closure also will mean lost revenue for the state.
Ruby
“The Justice Family and Kennedy Lewis expect the refinancing transaction to close on Friday, securing The Greenbrier’s long-term financial stability and positioning the resort for continued investment and growth,” attorney Steve Ruby said in the statement released August 13. “The key outstanding issue is regulatory approval from the West Virginia Lottery Commission necessary for continued casino operations under the new ownership structure. The transaction is proceeding regardless, while the timing of that approval remains in the commission’s hands.
“Because the Lottery Commission has not granted approval, casino employees are being provided WARN notices and will continue to receive pay and benefits during the 60-day notice period. We are hopeful this regulatory matter will be resolved during that period, allowing casino operations to resume and employees to return to work. If it is not resolved, we will have no choice but to terminate the affected positions.
“This issue is limited to casino operations. The Greenbrier remains fully open and operating, welcoming guests, meetings, conferences, weddings and other events as usual.
“We regret the uncertainty this regulatory delay creates for our employees and their families and remain focused on securing the necessary approval so casino operations can resume as quickly as possible.”
