Flutter Entertainment has announced that it has agreed to acquire Snaitech S.p.A. (Snai), one of Italy’s leading omni-channel operators, from a subsidiary of Playtech plc, for cash consideration based on an enterprise value of €2.3b.

The acquisition fully aligns with Flutter’s strategy to invest in leadership positions in international markets. The transaction is expected to close by Q2 2025.

Snai is the number three online operator in the Italian market with a 9.9% share in 2023 and 291,000 average monthly players. Online revenue and Adjusted EBITDA have grown at a compound rate of 26% and 32% respectively, in the four fiscal years to 2023. This is supported by a strong retail presence with over 2000 sites driving a number two retail share position in both betting of 19% and gaming of 14%. Snai generated 100% regulated revenue of €947m (which is after the deduction of gaming duties) and Adjusted EBITDA of €256m in financial year 2023, of which 50% was generated online.

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On completion, Flutter will assume the gold medal position in Italy with a ~30% online share when combined with its existing Italian business, which will deliver efficiency benefits in a key market for the Group. This includes Sisal, which, grew AMPs, and revenue at a compound rate of 27% and 17% respectively between Q2 2022 and Q2 2024, resulting in 270bps online share gain. The transaction is expected to deliver operating cost synergies of at least €70m along with incremental revenue synergies. On a post-cost synergy basis, the transaction is at a similarly attractive multiple to the Sisal transaction. It is also comfortably above the internal returns criteria by year two.

The transaction is subject to merger control clearance and other customary regulatory clearances and is expected to close by Q2 2025.

The transaction is consistent with the company’s strategy and is another example of Flutter allocating capital to drive shareholder value creation. The company will provide a further update at the Investor Day on September 25.

Peter Jackson, CEO, commented: “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Snai, one of the leading players in Italy, Europe’s largest regulated market. This transaction is compelling strategically and financially. It fits perfectly within our strategy for value creating M&A and creates a significant opportunity to accelerate Snai’s growth by providing them with access to Flutter’s market leading products and capabilities both in the US and globally.

“I look forward to welcoming the Snai team to the Flutter Group and working with them to maximize the growth opportunity for our combined businesses.”

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