BETSAFE IN ACQUISITION DEAL BY BETSSON

Posted 5/20/11 :

Deal will strengthen Betsson's platform in the Nordic region
 
Swedish gaming firm Betsson AB has acquired Malta-based sports betting, casino and poker operator Betsafe in a deal potentially worth Euro 60 million.
 
Betsson will pay an upfront purchase price of Euro 33.4 million in cash and shares for Betsafe.  Furthermore, based on Betsafe's integration and development during 2011, an additional purchase price maxed at Euro 27.5 million may be payable which would correspond to an estimated 5-6 times Betsafe's EBIT for 2011.
 
"This deal will fuel our growth. We strengthen our position in the Nordic region as well as our organization when merging two profitable companies, each of which has proven its ability to gain market share in a highly competitive market environment", said Pontus Lindwall, CEO of Betsson.
 
Betsson intends retaining all Betsafe employees as well as the brands of both companies and its management will be integrated into Betsson's Malta operational management team, including founders André and Christer Lavold and CEO Henrik Persson.
 
"This is an attractive solution for Betsafe as we share views with Betsson on how to become successful on the global gaming market. Two strong cultures, with common values and goals, now join forces with the aim to further develop the business and eventually become one of the largest and most profitable players in the market" says Henrik Persson, CEO of Betsafe.