Aristocrat Leisure Limited announced that its subsidiary, Pixel United Holdings Limited, has entered into a binding agreement for the sale of Plarium Global Limited (Plarium) for a fixed consideration of $620 million, with contingent consideration of up to $200 million to Modern Times Group (MTG) (Nasdaq Stockholm: MTG B), an international, mobile-first gaming group that offers a wide range of popular game franchises.

Following the strategic review announced in May 2024, the divestment of Plarium is an important milestone for Aristocrat as it focuses on growth across its regulated gaming strength in core land-based gaming, real money gaming and social casino opportunities.

The total consideration for the sale comprises:

• fixed consideration of US$620 million, comprising US$600 million payable upon closing of the transaction and a deferred payment of US$20 million payable in April 2026; and

Advertisement

• contingent consideration of up to US$200 million, subject to the achievement of certain financial targets over calendar years 2025 to 2028.

Proceeds from the transaction will be deployed to fund Aristocrat’s longer term growth strategy in line with its capital allocation framework. The transaction is expected to enhance Aristocrat’s revenue growth rate and margins going forward.

Acquired in October 2017, Plarium generated an internal rate of return (IRR) in the mid-teens during the period of Aristocrat’s ownership. It provided capability and digital expertise across Aristocrat, diversification of its portfolio through the COVID-19 period and continues Aristocrat’s successful acquisition track record.

Aristocrat’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Trevor Croker, said: “The sale of Plarium follows a strategic review into our casual and mid-core gaming assets that we announced in May 2024. With the expanded Aristocrat Interactive business now sitting alongside Aristocrat Gaming and our market leading mobile social casino business, we are increasingly focused on opportunities to lean into Aristocrat’s strengths in regulated gaming content and social slots.

“Aristocrat has incorporated a range of Plarium’s strategic capabilities and mobile content know-how into its core gaming operations over the past seven years, benefitting from digital marketing and UA management capability, enhanced live operations, and scaling and growing our combined social casino business. We are pleased also to have achieved an IRR from the acquisition of Plarium in excess of our target rates. Our ownership of Plarium has helped to drive Aristocrat’s digital transformation, extending our track record of successfully acquiring businesses to accelerate our strategy.”

Advertisement

In the unaudited financial results for the year to 30 September 2024, Plarium contributed approximately $615 million, $166 million and $110 million to Pixel United’s Revenue, Segment Profit and EBITA post-D&D expenditure, respectively. Aristocrat expects the sale of Plarium to be mid to high single-digit percentage points dilutive to NPATA in FY25 on an annualised basis.

The total consideration from the sale, comprising of $620 million fixed consideration and up to $200 million contingent consideration, compares to a Plarium book value of approximately $450 million as at 30 September 2024 and is expected to result in a gain on sale in FY25, with the final amount to be determined based on the closing date and other customary closing adjustments.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2025 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.

Caesars Virginia announced that its highly anticipated opening date will be Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. The resort will welcome its first guests beginning at noon. Additional details on the opening festivities will be announced at a later date.

Caesars Virginia is a 587,000 square foot casino resort with more than 90,000 square feet of gaming space, including nearly 1500 of the newest, most exciting slots, 79 live-action table games, 48 electronic table games, a WSOP poker room, and Caesars Sportsbook. Additionally, Caesars Virginia is also home to a 320-room hotel tower, 50,000 square feet of meeting and convention space that also serves as a 2500-seat live entertainment venue, full-service spa, pool and a wide variety of dining, including the recently announced Ramsay’s Kitchen by multi-Michelin-starred chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay and the 500 Block Food Hall by local developer Rick Barker and local restaurateur Steve Parry, as well as multiple bars and lounges.

Caesars Virginia is also part of the expansive Caesars Rewards network. Caesars Rewards members earn and redeem Reward Credits at any of Caesars Entertainment’s 50+ properties, including destinations in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Lake Tahoe.

“We have worked diligently on creating a world-class resort that will offer all the luxurious and modern amenities expected from Caesars that will also serve as an economic driver for Danville and the surrounding region through employment and tourism. We’re so proud of Caesars Virginia and look forward to welcoming guests on Dec. 12,” said Barron Fuller, Regional President for Caesars Entertainment.

Advertisement

“Our property started out with just over 400 Team Members when the temporary facility opened last year, and we are on track to hire more than 1200 by the time we open our doors in December. Through numerous hiring events in the region, training at facilities in Danville and overall support from local and state leaders as well as the business community, we are prepared to continue delivering the Family Style Service that Caesars is known for to our guests in the new, beautiful, destination resort,” said Chris Albrecht, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Caesars Virginia.

“Our partnership with Caesars Virginia marks a significant milestone in the region’s growth, creating jobs and economic opportunities that will benefit both Danville and surrounding communities. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is proud to be a part of this exciting new chapter, as this resort represents an impressive investment in hospitality and entertainment. We look forward to building stronger ties within the region and seeing the positive impact Caesars Virginia will have, providing opportunities and experiences that honor the unique spirit and diversity of this area,” said Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Galaxy Gaming Inc., the world’s largest independent developer and distributor of casino table games and technology announced, at a special meeting of its stockholders held on November 12, 2024 (the Special Meeting), Galaxy Gaming stockholders voted to approve the Company’s acquisition by Evolution Malta Holding Limited (Evolution), Evolution AB (publ)’s wholly owned subsidiary.

Galaxy Gaming will file a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reporting the final voting results of the Special Meeting.

The transaction is expected to close mid-2025 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals. Upon completion of the transaction, Galaxy Gaming will become a privately held company and shares of Galaxy Gaming common stock will no longer be listed on any public market.