Playtech finally back in the M & A groove with BGT deal confirmed

tech has bought a majority stake in BGT for €138m.

A total 90% share has been acquired by Playtech, while BGT founder and CEO Dr. Armin Sageder will keep hold of a 10% stake and will remain with BGT for three years from completion of the deal.

The remaining 10% could be bought by Playtech at a valuation of 6x BGT’s 2019 EBITDA, with a maximum consideration being €55m.

BGT’s products include more than 22,000 terminals as well as a tablet and screen system for retail.

When announcing the deal, Playtech said BGT’s “main product is its proprietary software for self-service betting terminals [SSBTs]”, meaning the deal will allow Playtech to expand its presence in that market, as it already lists server-supported terminals among its own product offerings.

Playtech CEO Mor Weizer said: “As the only company that will offer FOBTs and SSBTs, all integrated with the world’s leading online platform and products, Playtech will realise the potential of a true omni-channel offering for the benefit of both consumers and operators.”

M & A activity has been a common occurrence for Playtech recently, with deals last year including the purchases of GameMaker: Studio creator Yoyo Games for $16.4m and payment services provider Trade FX for an initial cash payment of €208m.

However, deals to buy trading platform Plus500 for an approximate £459.6m and Forex broker Ava Trade for $105m fell through in November.

Playtech was rumoured by The Telegraph to be in the race to buy OpenBet, which was snapped up by NYX Gaming Group for £270m in May, while The Sunday Times claimed in February it was interested in purchasing Amaya.