Following news that discussions about an imminent sale of Playtech and TTB Partners are still ongoing, information emerged about “a potential transaction with respect to Caliente” as a distinct possibility for the online gaming software company.
The group formed a separate committee on its board to consider an offer, though that excludes CEO Mor Weizer from all matters relating to the potential sale after he applied to join the investment group.
“Discussions with TTB’s partners are ongoing and it is uncertain whether an offer to the company will be announced or the terms on which it can be made,” said Brian Mattingley, President of Playtech.
After the sale of its financial services division in 2021, Finalto, which was part of the main requirements for its acquisition of Aristocrat for £2.7bn, Playtech again mentioned Caliente.
The Mexican operator was also involved in the Aristocrat transaction as part of Caliplay, the joint venture between Caliente and Playtech that would allow it to enter select US markets.
“If the transaction were to close, Caliplay would be acquired by a US-listed acquisition company. It is also currently anticipated that the combined SPAC and Caliplay business would enter into a long-term commercial agreement with a leading media partner,” he confirmed. Mattingley.
Under the proposed terms of the transaction, Playtech would continue to provide its software and services to Caliplay in Mexico and would extend its offering to the US and receive fees for software and services.
A big moment for Playtech
These comments come after Playtech reported a 12% increase in 2021 revenue to €1.2 billion, as well as adjusted gross operating profit (EBITDA) of €317.1 million, up 25% from €253.6 million. million euros in 2020.
According to Playtech, these results were driven by B2B online performance in the Americas. It also highlighted that Snaitech “continues to outperform the market” on the B2C front in sports betting and retail in Italy.
“Playtech has shown excellent results, which clearly demonstrates the strength of its technological offering, its experience in online games and the level of the team. This performance is all the more remarkable given the intensity of corporate activity in which Playtech has been involved throughout 2021, which is ongoing,” added Mattingley.
B2B sector revenues increased by 11% to €554.3 million. The Americas, a key focus for the group’s advancement, grew by 64% to €101.3 million.
Playtech said it has witnessed “excellent growth” from its Caliente and Wplay subsidiaries in Mexico and Colombia, respectively, while also seeing positive US action in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona and Mississippi.
B2C revenue of €663.7 million represented an increase of 10% as adjusted Ebitda closed at €177.9 million.
The company noted that the current year is off to an “excellent” start and the online divisions of both business segments are expected to “continue to deliver strong performance.”
Mor Weizer said, “Our 2021 results demonstrate the quality of technology and Playtech dynamics across the group. Our strong performance is underpinned by our B2B business and, in particular, the tremendous growth we have seen in the Americas.”
“We’ve made real progress in executing our US strategy, underpinned by new licenses, new launches and new partnerships, and we continue to strengthen in Latin America, driven by new strategic agreements across the region,” added Weizer.
