IGT to Sell Lottomatica for €950M

Lottomatica Holding S.r.l., the wholly-owned subsidiary of International Game Technology PLC (IGT), has signed a definitive agreement to sell one hundred percent (100%) of the share capital of Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A. and Lottomatica Scommesse S.r.l. to Gamenet Group S.p.A.

“The transaction enables IGT to monetize its leadership positions in the Italian B2C gaming machine, sports betting, and digital spaces at an attractive multiple to comparable Italian transactions, providing us with enhanced financial flexibility. Aligning with our recent reorganization, the favorable rebalancing of our business and geographic mix reframes and simplifies our priorities while improving the Company’s future profit margin, cash flow generation, and debt profile,” Marco Sala, CEO of IGT, said.

The sale price is €950 million, with €725 million payable at closing, €100 million payable on 31 December 2021 and the remaining €125 million payable on 30 September 2022. IGT will use net proceeds from the transaction primarily to reduce debt.

The Board of Directors of IGT has unanimously approved the transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. IGT expects that the transaction will close in the first half of 2021.

Credit Suisse International is acting as lead financial advisor to IGT, UBS is acting as financial advisor and fairness opinion advisor to IGT and its Board of Directors, and White & Case and NCTM are advising IGT. Mediobanca, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and the Italian offices of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP and Latham & Watkins, LLP are advising the buyer.