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The Mergers & acquisitions merry-go-round This year has seen huge actvity in M&As we take a look at those and what 2022 has in store for the industry
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his year has been characterized by a number of lucrative mergers between a range of global betting companies. Indeed, some have been particularly busy, undertaking substantial expansion through the acquisition of several rival firms. Such activity is perhaps unsurprising in volatile marketplace conditions. The pandemic has hit many hard; changing consumer habits have accelerated, online gaming is increasingly popular and driving muchneeded footfall away from retail units. The threat of future lockdowns looms large across a number of global marketplaces, further consolidating this direction of travel. Many businesses, gambling sector or otherwise, are feeling the pinch from the de-stabilising effects of COVID-19. However, there’s also plenty of green shoots to consider. The legalization of online sports betting across huge swathes of the U.S has facilitated a rapid rise in the fortunes of many, with American sports betting agents reaping the reward of considerable
INFINITY GAMING
new freedoms. They too have played an integral role in the acquiring arm of 2021’s merging activity. This article reviews the biggest movers & shakers in this year’s takeover deals. A widespread of sportsbook, software technology and media stakeholders have found themselves at the centre of varying mergers; both in times of financial size and legal complexity. Major American Outfits Make their Move Caesar’s Entertainment have certainly been active in this space. The North American betting company, which boasts over 50 Casino’s and a perpetually growing presence in alternative gambling markets, consolidated its status as one of the U.S biggest firms by acquiring William Hill and its merger with Eldorado Resorts throughout the course of 2021. William Hill’s notable stamp on Sportsbook markets across the US were of massive appeal to a company looking to step up their competitiveness in the online sports betting
market. They staved off Apollo- an Asset Management firm- to acquire WH for a cool $4 billion dollars. Forecasts are good given the prospect of even more states aligning freedoms in their localized gambling activities to the recent Supreme Court Bill. It was embraced by William Hill executives, who voted unanimously in favour of the takeover; with COVID-19 conditions exacerbating challenges in their Retail arm. Similarly, Eldorado Resorts found themselves in financial vulnerability as a consequence of the pandemic; Caesar’s were on-hand to strike up a $17.3 billion dollar merger deal that secured the newco’s status as the largest Casino business in the United States. As mentioned, America’s abandonment of its archaic prohibitive practices has jolted sports betting revenues northwards, with players such as DraftKings profiting markedly from the change in legislation. The leaders in fantasy betting merged with technology software brand, SB Tech. A wise move from DK, with
