“Nothing is set in stone,” said a source close to Variety who spoke on condition of anonymity Friday.
After months of following up on a lead that began with a tip from a businessman sometime in October last year that there would be changes in PIC-Saipan management, this reporter received confirmation from several employees from both camps, and businesspeople, that Ken Corp. is indeed negotiating to acquire PIC Saipan.
Ken Corp. owns Aqua Resort Club on Saipan and Pacific Island Club Guam, among other real estate properties.
Just two months ago, this reporter spoke with Hiro Sugie, general manager, Aqua Resort Club who said in a phone interview that he had not heard anything with regard to Ken Corp. buying PIC Saipan.
But Variety had been receiving tips over the last few weeks that it could be true.
Several employees, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed their concern over this latest development and some feared losing their jobs in the process.
Some employees too under the cloak of confidentiality stated that a deal was imminent.
Another source said the hotels will be making an announcement on June 1.
Variety also learned that Hiro Sugie, who is now general manager for Aqua Resort Saipan, will be general manager for PIC Saipan as current general manager Kieran Daly is moving back to Australia.
Another source tipped Variety that Ken Yanagasawa will be the general manager for PIC Guam.
Variety tried to get a confirmation from Sugie who declined to comment.
Variety’s sources said there could still be changes as negotiations are still ongoing. Barring unforeseen circumstances, source said, PIC may possibly transition to new management beginning June 1.
