Eddie Jordan’s JKO Play has entered the competition to acquire Playtech – Mergers and Acquisitions – iGB
The struggle for Playtech has taken another turn with the company receiving an initial proposal from JKO Play, a company overseen by Formula One team proprietor Eddie Jordan and industry veteran Keith O’Loughlin.
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Eddie Jordan’s JKO Play has joined the competition to acquire Playtech.
Playtech stated that it has provided JKO access to due diligence information and that JKO is in talks with Centerbridge Partners for institutional debt and structured capital financing to fund a potential agreement.
However, Playtech also highlighted that discussions with JKO are still in the early stages and it is uncertain whether JKO’s initial proposal will lead to a formal offer for the business.
Jordan and O’Loughlin previously made a proposal for Scientific Games’ sports betting business OpenBet, which has since been sold to Endeavor Group, the owner of IMG Arena.
The announcement brings the number of potential buyers for Playtech to three.
Australian slot machine manufacturer Aristocrat, which agreed to acquire Playtech for approximately £2.7 billion (€3.22 billion/$3.64 billion) last month, remains the leading contender.
However, in early November, Playtech minority shareholder Gopher Investments made its own initial proposal, reportedly offering £3 billion for the business.
Gopher has been given the go-ahead to carry out thorough research, but they also emphasized that, similar to JKO, discussions are still in their initial phases and ongoing, and it’s not guaranteed that a formal proposal will be presented.
Aristocrat’s agreement hinges on certain customary stipulations, including shareholder approval of Playtech’s disposal of its Finalto financial trading division, which happens to be the division Gopher is acquiring.
In September, Playtech agreed to sell Finalto to Gopher for $250 million, after its stakeholders declined a board-backed takeover offer spearheaded by the Barinboim Group.
Despite the competing takeover offer, Playtech continues to work with Aristocrat to put into action the recommended acquisition agreement reached in October. The provider added that the regulatory approval process is on schedule, with the goal of finalizing the transaction in the second quarter of next year.
In response to JKO’s takeover offer, Aristocrat acknowledged the news but maintained that its proposed acquisition of Playtech would be the most advantageous option for the company.
“Aristocrat believes that the terms and compelling strategic reasoning of the recommended acquisition provide assurance for Playtech shareholders, with no contingent value or other intricate structures for shareholders to realize value,” Aristocrat stated.
“We also believe that the combined entity will provide more opportunities for Playtech employees.”
Weve been collaborating closely with regulatory bodies in key gaming regions, and our robust financial standing, excellent customer connections, and established presence in the global gaming industry facilitated the completion of the agreement in the second quarter of 2022 as scheduled.”
Aristocrat has already allocated funds for the acquisition and has secured funding, having raised A$1.3 billion from its investors, who exhibited strong support.
Last week, Playtech also published the official documents for the transaction and has convened a shareholder gathering on January 12th to vote on the takeover.
Aristocrat is urging Playtech shareholders to cast their votes in favor of the agreement at these gatherings.
Playtech stock experienced an increase of 2.77% in London trading this morning, closing at 761.50 pence per share, while Aristocrat shares concluded the day down 3.61% in Sydney at A$45.64 per share.
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