Aristocrat, Gopher, JKO Show Interest in Playtech Acquisition

For the past few months, the industry has been awash with news of Playtech’s new ownership. So far, multiple major companies and investment funds have approached the software developer with various offers.

Playtech, Aristocrat, and Initial Offers

Intentions to sell off Playtech from its current publically-traded status have been brewing for some time now. Considering the size and importance of the Isle of Man-based company, these decisions could be important for the industry as a whole.

Initial reports were spread in mid-October 2021, with Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. named the most likely new offer. The Australian slot machine maker wanted to get into the increasingly lucrative online gambling market. At the time, the offer was placed at $3.7 billion.

However, the rapidly growing profitability of the industry kept attracting new possible investors.  The next major offer was made by Hong Kong-based Gopher Investments, which was already a major Playtech shareholder. Totaling over $4 billion, this offer seemingly opened up new possibilities for Playtech.

As a result, the future of the developer’s ownership is uncertain. Not that it hasn’t been working out for Playtech, mind you. The company’s shares have risen over 70% between October 15 and November 17.

JKO Enters The Bidding

On November 5, 2021, more speculation arose about the newest preliminary approach by competitor JKO Play Limited. At the time of this post’s publishing, JKO merely sought access to due diligence information. However, it’s clear that they’re quite open to the possibility of acquiring Playtech.

So far, only one relevant official announcement was made:

“Discussions with JKO are at an early stage and ongoing. As such, there can be no certainty that JKO’s approach will result in an offer for the Company, nor as to the terms on which any offer might be made.”

Considering the size and importance of this possible transaction, we’ll make sure to report on any developments as they occur.