Blackstone appears to be ramping up its quest to become a dominant “iconic resorts” landlord. : Earlier this week, MGM Resorts International (MGM) said it was selling two of its prized casinos. The combined price tag… was just over $5 billion. As part of a continued restructuring, MGM opted to maintain control of the Bellagio resort by selling the $4.25 billion property and leasing it back to dominant real estate private equity giant Blackstone Group (BX). By utilizing this commonly used sale/leaseback approach, MGM signed a long-term lease with Blackstone.