Scientific Games has announced that it has agreed to sell its global lottery services and technology business to private equity group Brookfield Partners L.P. for around $6.05 billion (€5.21 billion).
The deal will consist of $5.825 billion (€5.02 billion) in cash and an earn-out of up to $225 million (€194 million) based on certain targets set for both 2022 and 2023.
Scientific Games Lottery is a market leader supplying both lottery products and technology to approximately 130 lottery corporations and companies in over 50 countries across the globe. It is also the top global provider of instant games with its products and services powering around 69% of instant product retail sales globally.
Speaking of the acquisition, David Nowak, Managing Partner, Brookfield Business Partners said:
“We are pleased to continue to grow our business with the acquisition of a market leader and essential service provider to governments around the world. We look forward to partnering with management and bringing our global scale and capabilities to support Scientific Games Lottery’s future growth.”
In a press release, Barry Cottle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Games added:
“This transaction is transformative in accelerating the delivery of our stated strategy to optimize our portfolio, aggressively de-lever our balance sheet and position us to invest in future growth. We conducted a thorough review of paths to divest the Lottery business and we are confident that this transaction maximizes value and certainty while minimizing complexity and execution risk, and positions both Scientific Games and SG Lottery for continued success along their unique growth trajectories.
The significant near-term proceeds from this transaction as well as our previously announced sale of Sports Betting will transform our balance sheet and provide the financial flexibility to invest organically and inorganically to accelerate our strategies. This marks a major milestone and puts us on a clear path to achieve our vision to become the leading cross-platform global game company and unlock our full value for shareholders.”
Brookfield’s acquisition will be funded by approximately $2.6 billion (€2.24 billion) of equity while the group intends to fund around 30% of the deal from existing liquidity and capital raised from within the group. The group has also increased its available credit to $500 million (€431 million) in anticipation of the acquisition.
The remaining balance of equity required to complete the deal is expected to be funded by institutional partners and investors although no indication has been given as to who these potential partners may be.
The deal is expected to go through in the second quarter of 2022 subject to regulatory approvals.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.