IGT, the global leader in gaming, announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Lottomatica Holding S.r.l. has signed a definitive agreement to sell one hundred percent (100%) of the share capital of Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A. and Lottomatica Scommesse S.r.l., the members of the IGT group which conduct its Italian B2C gaming machine, sports betting, and digital gaming businesses, to Gamenet Group S.p.A., a subsidiary of funds managed by an affiliate of Apollo Global Management, Inc., a leading global alternative investment manager.
Commenting on the deal, Marco Sala, CEO of IGT, said, “The transaction enables IGT to monetize its leadership positions in the Italian B2C gaming machine, sports betting, and digital spaces at an attractive multiple to comparable Italian transactions, providing us with enhanced financial flexibility. Aligning with our recent reorganization, the favorable rebalancing of our business and geographic mix reframes and simplifies our priorities while improving the Company’s future profit margin, cash flow generation, and debt profile.”
The transaction values the businesses being sold at an enterprise value of approximately €1.1 billion. The businesses being sold generated about €207 million in aggregated adjusted EBITDA in 2019, placing the transaction in the upper band of valuation ranges achieved by the most recent Italian benchmarks.
The sale price is €950 million, with €725 million payable at closing, €100 million payable on December 31, 2021, and the remaining €125 million payable on September 30, 2022.
IGT will use net proceeds from the transaction primarily to reduce debt, the company said.
The Board of Directors of IGT has unanimously approved the transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. IGT expects that the transaction will close in the first half of 2021.
Credit Suisse International is acting as lead financial advisor to IGT, UBS is acting as financial advisor and fairness opinion advisor to IGT and its Board of Directors, and White & Case and NCTM are advising IGT. Mediobanca, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and the Italian offices of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP and Latham & Watkins, LLP are advising the buyer.
IGT delivers entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels. The company has a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and creates value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 11,000 employees.
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