• Miami Herald, Friday, December 8, 2006 11:31 AM

At a news conference in Times Square yesterday, the Seminole Tribe of Florida said it will purchase Hard Rock International, the parent of 68 Hard Rock Cafes in 45 countries, for $965 million. "We're going to buy Manhattan back one hamburger at a time," says Seminole vice chairman Max Osceola.

The 3,300 Seminoles will own one of the world's biggest brands and biggest collections of rock 'n' roll memorabilia--70,000 pieces ranging from Madonna's bustier to Eric Clapton's guitar. The acquisition from The Rank Group of London is fueled by profits from the Seminoles' casino complexes in Tampa and near Hollywood. The deal, which is expected to close in March, will give the tribe almost $500 million in annual revenue.

The tribe does not plan to make major changes to Hard Rock International, and CEO Hamish Dodds will remain with the company.

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