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21.11.2023
Lottomatica sees major yield drop post-strategic acquisition
Lottomatica sees major yield drop post-strategic acquisition
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Lottomatica's strategic acquisition of SKS365 in the Italian gambling sector triggered a significant shift in bond yield dynamics, reflecting the market's positive response to the formation of a formidable industry player with substantial synergies.

The GAMPR 9.750 30-SEP-2027 EUR bond (XS2536848448) has undergone a noteworthy shift in its yield, experiencing a 128 basis points decrease to 6.2% over the past month.

Yield curve illustration showing the performance of the GAMPR bond (XS2536848448), with a 9.750% coupon, due on September 30, 2027, in Euros.

This shift can be attributed to the recent strategic move in the gambling industry. Lottomatica, the Italian gaming giant, has agreed to acquire 100% of SKS365 for an enterprise value of €639m. The acquisition, set to close in H1 of 2024, will be financed through a combination of new debt and available cash, supported by a €500m debt bridge facility. Lottomatica shareholders have responded positively to the news, with shares rising approximately 4%.

SKS365, a major player in the Italian gambling market, operates brands like PlanetWin365 and a retail network of 1,000 betting shops. The acquisition concludes a bidding war involving Lottomatica, Flutter Entertainment, and Playtech. The combined entity is projected to hold a substantial market share, with synergies expected to reach €65m by 2027. SKS365's 9.6% market share in sports betting and 6.4% in iGaming, coupled with Lottomatica's 21.2% online gambling market share, positions the enlarged group with a commanding 28.3% market share. Management anticipates the deal to be EPS accretive by 2024, with double-digit EPS growth projected by 2025.

Lottomatica's CEO, Guglielmo Angelozzi, expressed excitement about welcoming SKS365 to their group, emphasizing the complementary brands and the commitment to support the next phase of growth. SKS365's CEO, Alexander Martin, expressed pride in joining Lottomatica, highlighting the strong momentum in online sports betting and iGaming.

In response to the acquisition, Playtech, a rival bidder, reiterated a prudent and rational approach to evaluating acquisition opportunities in line with its strategic goals.

The bond's yield movement reflects the market's positive response to the acquisition, signaling confidence in the strategic alignment and growth potential of the combined Lottomatica-SKS365 entity.

Credit rating agencies have not yet responded to the current situation, with Lottomatica currently holding a 'Ba3' rating from Moody’s and a 'BB-' rating from S&P.

About Lottomatica

Lottomatica Group SpA operates as a holding company providing gaming services. It operates through the following segments: Online, Sports Franchise, and Gaming Franchise. The Online segment comprises iSport, iGaming, and Other online products. The Sport Franchise consists of a wide range of retail offerings including, but not limited to, sports betting, virtual betting, and horserace betting. The Gaming Franchise segment refers to the direct management of gaming halls and concessionary activities. The company was founded on October 15, 2019 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. As of November 2023 Lottomatica Group has a market cap of €2.36 billion.

This article does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bondfish does not recommend using the data and information provided as the only basis for making any investment decision. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.