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ARISTOCRAT LEISURE LIMITED — M&A Activity 2021
Nov 17, 2021
64363_rns_2021-11-17_eb79e30b-cb67-49f4-a189-e65b74c01414.pdf
M&A Activity
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Statement regarding Playtech plc
Sydney, 18 November 2021
Aristocrat Leisure Limited (“Aristocrat”) notes the announcement by Playtech plc (“Playtech”) that it has received a preliminary approach from JKO Play Limited (“JKO”) seeking access to certain due diligence information in order to explore terms on which an offer for Playtech by JKO might be made . Playtech has provided access to due diligence information in accordance with the UK Takeover Code. JKO has indicated to Playtech that it was in discussions with Centerbridge Partners L.P. (“Centerbridge”) regarding the possibility of providing institutional debt and structured capital funding. No financing commitment has been provided by Centerbridge to JKO.
Playtech’s discussion with JKO are at an early stage and there is no certainty that JKO’s approach will result in a firm offer for Playtech, nor as to the terms on which any firm offer may be made.
This follows the announcement by Playtech on 7 November 2021 regarding a preliminary approach from Gopher Investments ("Gopher") seeking access to certain due diligence information.
On 18 October 2021 the Boards of Aristocrat and Playtech announced a unanimous recommended all cash acquisition of Playtech by Aristocrat for 680 pence for each Playtech share held, subject to customary conditions. Aristocrat believes that the terms of the recommended acquisition and the compelling strategic rationale, provides certainty for Playtech shareholders with no contingent value or other complicated structures for shareholders to realise value. Aristocrat also believes that the combined group will provide greater opportunities to Playtech employees.
Consistent with Aristocrat’s announcements released earlier today, Aristocrat and Playtech are continuing to work together to implement the recommended acquisition. The regulatory approval process is on track with the timetable previously announced and Aristocrat is focussed on progressing this quickly. Aristocrat holds gaming licences in over 335 gaming jurisdictions, including many US states and tribal nations. Aristocrat’s long term engagement with regulators across key gaming jurisdictions, together with our strong financial fundamentals, deep customer relationships and established presence in global gaming markets, positions us to complete the transaction as planned in the second quarter of calendar year 2022.
Aristocrat has committed certain funds to fund the recommended acquisition with financing facilities in place and has completed an equity raise of A$1.3 billion with strong take-up from Aristocrat shareholders. In addition, based on feedback from the credit rating agencies, Aristocrat may therefore be considered an investment grade credit rating upon close of the recommended acquisition.
On 12 November 2021 Playtech published the scheme document convening the relevant shareholder meetings to approve the acquisition on 12 January 2022. Aristocrat urges Playtech shareholders to vote in favour of the recommended acquisition by Aristocrat at these meetings.
Playtech has also published a circular in respect of its proposed disposal of the Finalto business convening the shareholder meeting to approve the disposal on 1 December 2021.
Aristocrat Leisure Limited. ABN: 44 002 818 368 Building A, Pinnacle Office Park, 85 Epping Road, North Ryde NSW 2113
aristocrat.com
In accordance with the UK Takeover Code, the UK Takeover Panel will announce the deadline by which JKO and Gopher must clarify their intentions in relation to Playtech. Aristocrat will provide this and any further updates as and when necessary.
Authorised for lodgement by: Kristy Jo Company Secretary
Further information:
Financial: Rohan Gallagher General Manager, Investor Relations Mobile: (61) 421 051 416 [email protected] Media: Natalie Toohey Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Mobile: (61) 409 239 459 [email protected]
Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) is a leading global gaming content and technology company and top-tier mobile games publisher, with more than 6,500 employees in over 20 locations around the world. Aristocrat offers a diverse range of products and services including electronic gaming machines, casino management systems and free-to-play mobile games. The company’s regulated gaming products are approved for use in more than 300 licensed jurisdictions and are available in more than 100 countries.
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