Posted on: March 8, 2023, 04:35h.
Final up to date on: March 8, 2023, 04:35h.
The upcoming launch of the UK Playing Fee’s (UKGC) extensively anticipated whitepaper might stoke a recent spherical of consolidation exercise within the business with UK-based companies, together with behemoth Flutter Leisure (OTC: PDYPY), being potential targets.
A brand new report by information supplier CTFN signifies that business observers imagine share value draw back attributable to the whitepaper, which is believed to be popping out later this month, is already priced into UK-based gaming firms and with the regulatory framework unlikely to be as punitive as beforehand speculated, there’s optimism companies corresponding to Flutter might turn out to be takeover targets.
The analysis agency means that following publication of the whitepaper, Caesars Leisure (NASDAQ: CZR) might buy FanDuel for “hefty” premium or probably transfer on the whole thing of Flutter Leisure. Flutter owns 95% of FanDuel, which is the biggest on-line sportsbook operator within the US.
Such a transaction would troublesome for Caesars to digest. FanDuel alone would probably command a price ticket double that of DraftKings’ (NASDAQ: DKNG) present market capitalization of $8.53 billion. Name it $17 billion and Caesars, value $10.88 billion, must probably promote belongings, debt and maybe fairness to afford FanDuel. That might run counter to the on line casino big’s efforts to scale back its debt burden. Plus, there’s the matter of Boyd Gaming’s (NYSE: BYD) 5% stake in FanDuel and the way keen that firm is to half with it and the way open Caesars is to paying a premium to a direct rival for it.
As for buying Flutter outright, that doesn’t appear believable for Caesars as a result of the Paddy Energy proprietor’s market worth is almost $30 billion and its assortment of worldwide belongings is probably not enticing to a gaming firm that’s intensely targeted on the US as is the case with the Harrah’s operator.
MGM May Revisit Entain Bid, Too
In a January word, CTFN noticed that the discharge of the whitepaper might compel MGM Resorts Worldwide (NYSE: MGM) to revisit a takeover of Entain Plc (OTC: GMVHY).
Just some weeks later, MGM CEO Invoice Hornbuckle mentioned his firm won’t be seeking to purchase its accomplice on the BetMGM enterprise. Nonetheless, CTFN means that the brand new steering from the UKGC might “materially” change Entain’s outlook, probably bringing MGM again to the bargaining desk.
It’s believed that MGM may very well be a suitor as iGaming and sports activities betting consolidation intensifies, however the typical knowledge is that the on line casino operator would purchase Entain out of BetMGM — not purchase the Ladbrokes proprietor outright.
Ought to one other suitor come calling for Entain, MGM must approve that deal, notably if the customer has US operations that compete with BetMGM.
888 Holdings May Be Goal, Too
CTFN added that 888 Holdings (OTC: EIHDF) may be a takeover goal, although the analysis agency doesn’t point out potential suitors.
888 shares are at present depressed in anticipation of the whitepaper and on account of latest departure of former CEO Itai Pazner amid an inner anti-money laundering probe.
The corporate has beforehand been talked about as an acquisition candidate, however its scant US footprint might restrict the pool of potential consumers. Caesars is unlikely to be a part of that group as a result of in 2022, it bought William Hill’s worldwide enterprise to 888.
