888 acquires remaining interest in AAPN

RNS Number : 0313K

888 Holdings plc

11 December 2018

 

11 December 2018

888 Holdings Plc

("888" or the "Group")

888 acquires remaining interest in All American Poker Network for US $28m

·    888 acquires the remaining 53% interest in the All American Poker Network, a joint venture established in 2013, for US $28 million.

·    The acquisition is an important strategic milestone that will facilitate the Group's future growth strategy in the US.

·     The acquisition gives the Group full flexibility to deliver on multiple potential growth opportunities including developing new strategic partnerships.

888, one of the world's leading online gaming entertainment and solutions providers, announces the signing of an agreement by its wholly-owned subsidiaries, 888 US Inc. ("888 US") and 888 US Holdings Inc., for the acquisition of the remaining 53% interest in AAPN Holdings LLC ("AAPN") that 888 US does not already own, from its joint venture partner Avenue OLG Entertainment LLC ("Avenue") and other minority shareholders of AAPN (together, the "Sellers") for US $28 million (the "Consideration") (the "Transaction").

Background to the Transaction

The AAPN joint venture was established between Avenue and 888 in March 2013 to launch 888's B2C brands in the regulated online gaming market in the United States. Since November 2013, the 888poker and 888casino brands have been operating in New Jersey.

The Transaction will give 888 independent control of its growth strategy in the US moving forward. This strategy includes signing new partnerships and continuing to deploy its proprietary products and technology (both B2B and B2C) in new states as they regulate. Over recent months, 888 has also further strengthened its position in the US by:

·   In September launching 888sport in New Jersey alongside its established poker and casino brands, marking the first time that 888 has offered sports betting in the United States and paving the way for the Group to launch 888sport in additional US states as future regulation allows; and

·   Signing a landmark sponsorship agreement with the New York Jets of the National Football League ("NFL"), marking the first such agreement between an NFL team and a pure-play online gaming operator.

Itai Frieberger, Chief Executive of 888 commented:

"The acquisition of the remaining stake in AAPN is an important strategic step towards 888 achieving its exciting long-term potential in the US. Taking outright ownership of AAPN gives 888 additional operational, technological and commercial flexibility to develop innovative and exciting new partnerships and launch in new states - through both B2B and B2C channels - as and when future regulation allows. This acquisition places 888 in an even better position to take advantage of the significant growth opportunities in the US and create additional value for our shareholders.

The AAPN joint venture has been a very successful endeavour for the Group. It has afforded us the flexibility and financial capability to build a position in the regulated US market over the last five years whilst also investing in other global regulated markets. I would like to thank Avenue Capital for being fantastic partners in this venture since 2013."

Details of the Transaction

The consideration of US $28 million will be satisfied all in cash, with US $10 million being paid to the Sellers on or about the date of this announcement and the remainder of US $18 million to be paid by 31 March 2019.

Transaction Classification

The Transaction constitutes a class 2 transaction for the purposes of the UK Listing Rules ("LR"). For the purposes of LR 10.4.1 R (Notification of class 2 transactions), the value of the gross assets of AAPN is US $10 million and AAPN generated a loss of US $3 million in 2017.

Important Notices

This announcement contains inside information and is issued on behalf of 888 by its Board of Directors. This announcement is issued at 7:00 am GMT on 11 December 2018.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements with respect to the operations, performance and financial condition of 888. By their nature, these statements are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied because they relate to future events.

Unless otherwise required by applicable law, regulation or accounting standard, 888 does not undertake to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast.

Nothing contained in this announcement constitutes or shall be deemed to constitute an offer or invitation to invest in otherwise deal in any shares or other securities of 888.

For more detailed information about 888, see the Investor Relations section of the 888 website.

Enquiries and further information: 888 Holdings Plc
Itai Frieberger, Chief Executive Officer	[phone]
Aviad Kobrine, Chief Financial Officer	[phone]
Hudson Sandler (public relations)	[phone]
Alex Brennan Hattie O'Reilly Bertie Berger	[e-mail]

About 888 Holdings Plc:

·     888 Holdings Public Limited Company (888) is one of the world's most popular online gaming entertainment and solutions providers.  888's mission is to supply its customers with innovative and market-leading online gaming products, above all in a safe and secure environment.

·     888 has been at the forefront of the online gaming industry since foundation in 1997, providing to players and B2B partners an always innovative and world-class online gaming experience. At the heart of 888's business is its proprietary gaming technology and associated platforms.

·     888 operates in three US states:  Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey.

·     The Group is structured into two lines of business: B2C, under the 888 brands, and B2B, conducted through Dragonfish, which provides partners a leading platform through which to establish an online gaming presence and monetise their own brands.

·     888's consumer facing websites offer more than just online gaming. They are entertainment destinations: places where people can enjoy a truly interactive experience and be part of an online community that shares common interests. 888's strong and trusted brands are all accessible through www.888.com.

·     Find out more about 888 at http://corporate.888.com/.

 

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