Industry News
NetEnt integrates Red Tiger to realize further synergies
To further strengthen competitiveness and increase efficiency NetEnt is implementing changes in the organization and a full integration with recently acquired Red Tiger. The changes mean a reduction in the workforce by approximately 120 employees, mainly in Stockholm.
NetEnt has previously communicated its ambition to integration further with Red Tiger, which was acquired in September of 2019. The acquisition has exceeded expectations and offers significant potential synergies, increased efficiency and economies of scale. A restructuring is now being implemented to speed up the full integration within the NetEnt group, which means that several functions are relocated and that 120 full-time positions are made redundant in Stockholm and Malta.
These measures are in line with NetEnt’s strategy to continuously improve all parts of the business to strengthen competitiveness and increase value creation in the company. The restructuring is estimated to result in annual savings of approximately SEK 150 million on a cash-flow basis, beginning in the second half of 2020. This means that NetEnt is increasing its initial estimate of potential synergies from the acquisition to around SEK 250 million annually (from previously announced SEK 150 million per year).
Restructuring costs are expected to amount to approximately SEK 25 million, which will be reported as non-recurring items and affect operating profit for the first quarter of 2020.
Today, NetEnt also announces that the earn-out consideration for Red Tiger will be redeemed through a directed issue of new shares and cash payment. For more details, see separate press release. Since this financial liability item was previously reported using the discounted net present value, the early redemption leads to an increase in financial costs of approximately SEK 35 million in the first quarter of 2020. This amount does not affect the cash flow. Following the rights issue, the company’s net debt will decrease by 100 MSEK.
The effects of COVID-19 are difficult to forecast, and conditions change rapidly. However, NetEnt’s operations have so far not been negatively affected by the pandemic outbreak. Revenues for the NetEnt Group have developed in line with market expectations during the first quarter of 2020 and are expected to be in the range of approximately SEK 490-500 million.
“We are now entering the next phase of the integration with Red Tiger, whose sellers are also becoming shareholders of NetEnt. The integration will unleash the full potential of our shared capabilities, create significant efficiency gains in games development and strengthen our position as the market leader in online casino,” says Therese Hillman, Group CEO of NetEnt.
Industry News
CT Interactive Appoints Todor Botsev as Business Development Manager for EMEA and Asia
CT Interactive has appointed Todor Botsev as its Business Development Manager for ЕМЕА and Аsia.
With over 16 years of experience in the dynamic and rapidly evolving casino industry, Todor specialises in online and offline business operations. His career has encompassed a variety of roles and responsibilities, including managing online and offline casino operations, optimising gaming platforms and developing strategic business initiatives.
Throughout his career, Todor has gained extensive experience in the development and implementation of new gaming products for online and offline casinos, working with a diverse range of gaming platforms and systems. His expert approach to data analysis and market trends enables him to design and execute innovative strategies for customer acquisition and retention, driving sustainable growth and expanding the customer base.
Todor’s strong leadership skills allow him to effectively manage teams and projects, with a focus on operational efficiency and staff development. His leadership philosophy is built on collaboration and a commitment to delivering the highest standards of customer service.
With his deep understanding of online casino operations and strategic thinking, Todor is a valuable addition to the CT Interactive team.
The post CT Interactive Appoints Todor Botsev as Business Development Manager for EMEA and Asia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Playtech Executive Chair Brian Mattingley Set to Step Aside
The chairman of Playtech, the London-listed gambling technology group, is to step down, triggering a search for a successor with a taste for stringent corporate governance challenges.
Egon Zehnder International, the boardroom headhunter, is being appointed to handle the search for Mr Mattingley’s successor, according to a source close to the situation.
A former chairman and chief executive of 888, the London-listed gaming company now known as Evoke, Mr Mattingley was also a founding director of Gala Leisure.
At Playtech, he has overseen a frenetic period of corporate activity while also finding himself in the eye of a series of storms with shareholders over boardroom pay and wider corporate governance.
The most recent of those came in December when close to a third of investors rebelled over a €100m bonus plan for Mor Weizer, the company’s chief executive, along with other senior executives.
Shareholders give Mr Mattingley credit, however, for helping to navigate the company through a challenging period in the gambling industry, in particular his role last year in securing the sale of Snaitech, its Italian consumer gambling arm, for €2.3bn.
That represented a nearly threefold return on Playtech’s initial investment in the business, triggering total returns to shareholders of up to €1.8bn – a sum almost equivalent to all of the special dividends paid by London-listed companies in 2023.
The sale of Snaitech will transform Playtech into a pure-play business-to-business operation.
During Mr Mattingley’s three-and-a-half year tenure, shares in the company have risen by about 60%.
The post Playtech Executive Chair Brian Mattingley Set to Step Aside appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
CT Interactive Reflects on Successful Showcase at ICE 2025
CT Interactive is marking a resounding success following its participation in last week’s ICE 2025 trade show. As a global iGaming provider of innovative gaming solutions, the company used the event to solidify its market presence, seal new partnerships, unveil new gaming content and engage in productive discussions about its ambitious growth plans.
CT Interactive’s showcase at ICE Gaming 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its partners by expanding its portfolio of games available for their platforms. The company’s efforts to release fresh and engaging content have already been met with enthusiasm, setting the stage for stronger collaborations and greater player satisfaction.
Another highlight of the event was the company’s announcement about its impending certification for the Brazilian market. This milestone will enable CT Interactive to officially enter one of Latin America’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions.
“We’re thrilled about the opportunities Brazil offers. We have prepared a games list designed to resonate with the preferences of Brazilian players, and we’re eager to bring our portfolio to this exciting market,” Martin Ivanov, COO of CT Interactive, said.
ICE Gaming 2025 also provided an excellent platform for CT Interactive to explore growth opportunities in Eastern Europe. With its strong regulatory framework and growing appetite for online gaming, Ukraine featured prominently in the company’s discussions. CT Interactive is about to conclude a deal with a local partner, significantly boosting its presence in this emerging market.
“The Ukrainian market holds tremendous potential, and we’re keen to expand our footprint there. We are confident that our diverse portfolio of high-quality games will meet the expectations of operators and players alike,” Martin Ivanov said.
The company’s new game releases were another highlight of its ICE Gaming presence. CT Interactive’s cutting-edge titles, designed with captivating visuals and engaging gameplay, were met with widespread acclaim. These releases are expected to captivate players and drive significant revenue growth for its operator partners.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Martin Ivanov stated that CT Interactive’s participation allowed it to strengthen its relationships with partners, explore untapped opportunities and reinforce its position in the gaming industry.
“The show was an incredible opportunity to engage with our partners, showcase our innovations, and discuss strategies for mutual growth. We leave ICE Gaming 2025 energised and excited for what’s next,” Martin Ivanov added.
The post CT Interactive Reflects on Successful Showcase at ICE 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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