Betsson AB acquires a private online gaming group (“Oranje and Kroon”) based in Malta consisting of Oranje Casino, Kroon Casino and an affiliate business. The companies are primarily targeting the Dutch casino market, but Kroon Casino also has a presence in Belgium.
“With this acquisition, Betsson gains a strategic position in the Netherlands and become one of the biggest players on the Dutch market which is expected to be re-regulated during 2015. This would give Betsson’s profits from locally-regulated markets exceeding 25% of the group’s total profit. The deal also gives Betsson a larger and more significant presence in continental Europe”, said Magnus Silfverberg, President and CEO of Betsson.
In 2013, revenues in Oranje and Kroon amounted to EUR 32.5 million with an EBIT of EUR 22.1 million, equivalent to an EBIT margin of 67,8%. Registered customers amount to 209 000. In addition to incremental earnings, the transaction contributes with more than 300 new domains, a Belgian license and a number of proprietary developed and exclusive casino games. Betsson acquires Oranje and Kroon from three entrepreneurs. They will continue as external advisors to Betsson. Betsson has also secured other key employees to remain
with the business.
Betsson acquires a combination of shares and assets from the sellers for an initial purchase consideration amounting to EUR 100 million (enterprise value), of which EUR 60 million are payable in Betsson shares and the remaining 40 million is payable in cash. The initial purchase consideration corresponds to 4.5 times EBIT in 2013. In addition to the initial purchase consideration, a remaining purchase consideration may become payable, based on the outcome of the anticipated re-regulation in Holland. A more attractive re-regulation for Oranje and Kroon will trigger a higher remaining amount to be settled by Betsson. The maximum remaining purchase consideration amounts to EUR 45 million, which implies a maximum total purchase consideration of EUR 145 million,
which corresponds to 6.6 times EBIT for 2013. However, the expected remaining purchase consideration is EUR 30 million, representing a total purchase consideration of EUR 130 million, corresponding to 5.9 times EBIT for 2013.