Playtech\u2019s biggest ever acquisition will give it a foothold in the biggest gambling market in Europe. Strangely, it will also make the British B2B software supplier a consumer-focused operator of racetracks. (Image: Snaitech)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAs well as its biggest, it is also Playtech\u2019s only rhyming acquisition to date \u2013 but talk about synergies!<\/p>\n
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Playtech said yesterday it had agreed terms to buy 70.6 per cent of the Milan-listed company from two private equity firms. On completion of that deal, it will acquire the remaining 29.4 percent of the company, subject to approval from remaining the shareholders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
In an official statement, Playtech described Italy as \u201cEurope\u2019s\u00a0largest and growing gaming market\u201d but noted it was also a fragmented one that is relatively underdeveloped online in comparison with the UK. The Italian market was worth an \u20ac20 billion last year, while the UK, the second biggest in Europe, was worth \u20ac16 billion.<\/p>\n
New Consumer Focus Through Snaitech<\/strong><\/h2>\n“The acquisition of Snaitech represents the continuation of our strategy to invest in leading retail brands in fast growing, regulated markets,\u201d said Playtech CEO Mor Weisner. \u201cThe acquisition delivers the Board’s strategic objective to improve the quality and diversification of Group revenue, whilst delivering exposure to high growth end markets, by utilising the strength of Playtech’s balance sheet.<\/p>\n
Playtech has always been at the forefront of its industry and the acquisition offers the opportunity to create a vertically integrated B2B2C operator in\u00a0Europe’s\u00a0largest gambling market, delivering significant value to shareholders.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The deal will also vastly increase Playtech\u2019s consumer offering. The company\u2019s focus has always been on providing B2B software, although it does have some consumer business in Spain and Mexico.<\/p>\n