888 Holdings is purchasing the non-US holdings of William Hill for a substantial $3.03 billion, securing an agreement with Caesars Entertainment.
This tactical maneuver merges the brand recognition of two industry titans, seeking to establish a worldwide frontrunner in internet wagering and gaming. For 888, it’s a game-changing prospect, considerably broadening their scope, varying their portfolio, and boosting revenue expansion.
The unified entity is estimated to achieve a minimum of £100 million (or $138 million) in yearly pre-tax expense efficiencies. 888 predicts the joint company will produce $2.5 billion in income and $464 million in adjusted EBITDA in 2020.
Itai Pazner, Chief Executive Officer of 888, deemed the acquisition of William Hill International “a revolutionary and genuinely thrilling juncture in 888’s journey.” He underscored the formation of a global online betting and gaming powerhouse with remarkable size, outstanding brands, a more varied business, and a framework primed for robust growth.
Pazner noted that William Hill, a legendary sports name, ideally complements 888’s premier online gaming brand. He emphasized their mutual strategic goals, concentrating on digital dominance, client focus, user security, and elevating industry benchmarks for responsible gaming.
“The William Hill team truly made a remarkable impression on us, and I eagerly anticipate collaborating with them and the broader William Hill organization. We will be capitalizing on their exceptional technology, robust brand recognition, and our substantially expanded reach to develop outstanding products for our clientele.”
Caesars Entertainment indicated that the deal, contingent upon the endorsement of 888 stakeholders and regulatory bodies, is projected to finalize within the initial quarter of 2022. Deutsche Bank and Linklaters are serving as counsel to Caesars Entertainment throughout this process.
The Chairman of 888, Lord Jonathan Mendelsohn, remarked: “This presents an exceptional prospect to merge our globally renowned gaming brand with a distinctive and legendary sports wagering brand, thereby establishing a global frontrunner within the online sports betting and gaming sector.”
“We are confident that this acquisition will generate substantial value for our investors. The unified entity will possess cutting-edge technology, products, and brands spanning sports betting, gaming, and poker, all bolstered by top-tier managerial expertise from both companies.”