MGM Mirage, Kerzner International and Istithmar Hotels announced a definitive agreement on Tuesday forming their previously announced joint venture, which will develop a multi-million dollar resort property on the Las Vegas Strip at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue.

MGM will provide the land and own half of the venue, while Kerzner and Istithmar will provide cash equity and each own 25 percent. The new resort, for which there is no name yet, will be designed to encompass about 40 acres. Sol Kerzner, chairman and CEO of Kerzner, said he expects construction to begin by the first half of 2009 with a completion date slated for 2012.

 The announcement brings together three of the most recognizable developers in the lodging industry. MGM Mirage operates the MGM Grand and Mirage hotels; Kerzner is behind the Atlantis brand; and Istithmar is a subsidiary of Dubai World's investment company that owns such properties as the W Hotel Union Square in New York. (DE)