Strong Online Player Growth For Cherryforetagen AB


Tuesday August 30, 2011  : Company ceo calls for modern legalization on gambling
 
Swedish gaming company Cherryföretagen AB announced its six month interim report ending 30 June 2011 along with its second quarter results, this week.
 
The Group's first half 2011 turnover increased by 31.2 percent driven primarily by an increase in online gaming.
 
Key Performance Indicators for the six months ending June 30, 2011 include:
 
–     Group turnover increased by 31.2 percent and amounted to SEK 207.1 million (H1/2010: SEK 157.8 million).
–     EBITDA amounted to SEK 8.8 million (H1/2010: SEK 9.3 million).
–     EBIT amounted to SEK 3.0 million (H1/2010: SEK 3.6 million). EBIT was affected by non-recurring expenses of -3.7 million, in
    connection with the replacement of the CEO.
–     Six month results rose to SEK 5.6 million (H1/2010: SEK 5.3 million)
–     The number of new online players rose by 96.1 percent, to 146 863 customers (H1/2010: 74 884).
–     Cherry signed a beneficial agreement with Special Olympics regarding EuroLotto.
 
Key Performance Indicators for the second quarter ending June 30, 2011 include:
 
–     Group turnover increased with 5.9 percent and amounted to SEK 109.7 million (Q2/2010: SEK 103.6 million).
–     EBITDA amounted to SEK 2.2 million (Q2/2010: SEK 9.4 million).
–     EBIT amounted to SEK -700 000 (6.5). EBIT was affected by non-recurring expenses of -3.7 million, in connection with the replacement of the CEO.
–     Second quarter results amounted to SEK 1.8 million (Q2/2010: SEK 7.2 million)
–     The number of active clients rose during Q2 by 173.9 percent, to 37 181 customers (Q2/2010: 13 574).
–     The number of new online players rose during Q2 by 214 percent, to 21 806 customers (Q2/2010: 6 944).
 
Cherry's online gaming division which includes SverigeAutomaten.com, NorgesAutomaten.com, DanmarksAutomaten.com, PlayCherry.com and EuroLotto.com delivered the following results:
 
–     Q2/2011 revenues rose by 32.2 percent and amounted to SEK 55.0 million (Q2/2010: SEK 41.6 million)
–     EBIT amounted to SEK 3.4 million (Q2/2010: SEK 7.1 million).
–     Number of new customers increased during Q2/2011 by 214 percent, amounting to 21 806 (Q2/2010: 6 944)
–     Registered customers at the end of the review period amount to 146 863 (H1/2010: 74 884) with Q2 deposits increasing by 18.1 percent.
 
Emil Sunvisson, newly appointed ceo of Cherry remarked on the legislative situation saying:  "Cherry calls for a modern legalization where we are allowed to operate gaming with responsibility and are able to compete on equal terms".