Fertitta Entertainment plans to buy Caesars Entertainment in an all-cash agreement valued at roughly $17.6 billion, including the assumption of nearly $11.9 billion in debt, the companies said Thursday (May 28). Under the proposed deal , Caesars shareholders would receive $31 in cash for every outstanding share they own. Company executives said that price represents a sizable premium compared with Caesars’ unaffected share price and 30-day average trading levels recorded in late February. Caesars’ board unanimously approved the agreement and is urging shareholders to support the transaction. Directors said the immediate cash value offered to investors made the proposal attractive as the company continues navigating uneven gaming demand and intense online betting competition. If completed, the merger would combine Caesars’ casino resorts, digital gaming brands and loyalty network with Fertitta Entertainment’s Golden Nugget casinos and Landry’s hospitality operations.…