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Statement by the Board of Directors of LeoVegas in relation to the public offer from MGM
The Board of Directors of LeoVegas unanimously recommends the shareholders of LeoVegas to accept the public offer from MGM of SEK 61 in cash per share.
This statement is made by the Board of Directors[1] of LeoVegas AB (publ) (the “Company” or “LeoVegas”) pursuant to Rule II.19 of the Nasdaq Stockholm Takeover Rules (the “Takeover Rules”).
Background
MGM Casino Next Lion, LLC, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (“MGM”), has today announced a public offer to the shareholders of LeoVegas to transfer all of their shares in LeoVegas to MGM for a consideration of SEK 61 in cash per LeoVegas share (the “Offer”). The total value of the Offer corresponds to approximately SEK 5,957 million[2]. The price of SEK 61 per share in the Offer will not be increased.
The Offer represents a premium of:
· approximately 44.1 per cent compared to the closing price of SEK 42.32 of LeoVegas shares on Nasdaq Stockholm on 29 April 2022, which was the last trading day prior to the announcement of the Offer;
· approximately 57.6 per cent compared to the volume-weighted average trading price of SEK 38.70 of LeoVegas shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during the last 30 trading days prior to the announcement of the Offer; and
· approximately 76.5 per cent compared to the volume-weighted average trading price of SEK 34.56 of LeoVegas shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during the last 180 trading days prior to the announcement of the Offer.
The acceptance period for the Offer is expected to commence on or around 3 June 2022 and expire on or around 30 August 2022.
Completion of the Offer is conditional upon, inter alia, that the Offer is accepted to such an extent that MGM becomes the owner of shares representing more than 90 per cent of the outstanding shares in LeoVegas (on a fully diluted basis), as well as all regulatory, governmental or similar clearances, approvals and decisions necessary to complete the Offer, including approvals and clearances from competition authorities, being obtained, in each case on terms which, in MGM’s opinion, are acceptable. MGM has reserved the right to waive the conditions for completion of the Offer. The Offer is not conditional upon financing. MGM has stated that it will not increase the price of SEK 61 in the Offer. By this statement, MGM cannot, in accordance with the Takeover Rules, increase the price in the Offer.
The Board of Directors of LeoVegas has given consent to MGM to offer a management incentive plan for certain key employees of LeoVegas and notes that MGM has obtained a statement from the Swedish Securities Council (Sw. Aktiemarknadsnämnden) confirming that the proposed incentive plan is compatible with the Takeover Rules (Ruling 2022:16).
The Board of Directors of LeoVegas has, at the written request of MGM, permitted MGM to carry out a due diligence review of LeoVegas in connection with the preparation of the Offer. With the exception of information that was subsequently included in LeoVegas’ Q1 report for 2022, MGM has not been provided with any inside information regarding LeoVegas in connection with the due diligence review.
MGM has obtained irrevocable undertakings to accept the Offer from the Company’s largest shareholder and Chief Executive Officer, Gustaf Hagman, and certain other shareholders[3]. Gustaf Hagman has undertaken to tender 8,050,000 shares (8.2 per cent of the outstanding shares in LeoVegas), and other shareholders have undertaken to tender a total of 6,909,281 shares in LeoVegas (7.1 per cent). Accordingly, irrevocable undertakings to accept the Offer from shareholders representing in total 14,959,281 shares (15.3 per cent) have been obtained. The irrevocable undertakings apply irrespective of whether a higher competing offer is made. The irrevocable undertakings will terminate if the Offer is not declared unconditional on or before 31 October 2022. In addition, Torsten Söderberg, who is also a Board member of LeoVegas, has stated that he is very supportive of the Offer. Torsten Söderberg and family owns 4,533,861 shares in LeoVegas (4.6 percent).
SEB Corporate Finance (“SEB”) is acting as financial adviser and Cederquist is acting as legal adviser to LeoVegas in connection with the Offer.
Process conducted by the Board of Directors
In parallel with other interested third parties contemplating public tender offers, MGM contacted LeoVegas in December 2021. The Board of Directors engaged SEB to lead the process of evaluating other parties’ interest for the Company. In February 2022, MGM submitted a non-binding offer letter to the Board of Directors of LeoVegas indicating an interest to pursue with a public offer subject to, inter alia, a satisfactory due diligence review and the Board of Directors of LeoVegas recommending the shareholders to accept the offer from MGM. The Board of Directors gave MGM permission to conduct a due diligence review. As instructed by the Board of Directors, SEB entertained parallel processes with other interested parties in the interest of creating maximum value for the shareholders in LeoVegas. Following further negotiations with the Board of Directors and SEB, MGM increased its non-binding offer, to a price level other interested parties could not match, in order to receive a recommendation from the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors’ recommendation
In its evaluation of the Offer, the Board of Directors has taken a number of factors into account which the Board of Directors deems relevant. These factors include, but are not limited to, the Company’s present strategic and financial position and the Company’s expected potential future development and thereto related opportunities and risks.
The Board of Directors notes that the Offer represents a premium of approximately 44.1 per cent compared to the closing price of SEK 42.32 of the Company’s share on Nasdaq Stockholm on 29 April 2022, which was the last trading day before the announcement of the Offer, and a premium of approximately 57.6 per cent and 76.5 per cent respectively, compared to the volume-weighted average share price for the Company’s share on Nasdaq Stockholm during the last 30 and 180 trading days, respectively, prior to the announcement.
As noted above, LeoVegas has received several indications of interest or non-binding offers concerning a potential tender offer. MGM’s offer is, in the assessment of the LeoVegas Board of Directors, the superior offer from the perspective of the shareholders. The LeoVegas Board of Directors has investigated and considered market and industry trends, and certain strategic alternatives available to LeoVegas. Such alternatives included, but were not limited to, remaining an independent listed company with a possible listing in the USA. The LeoVegas Board of Directors has also considered the risks and uncertainties associated with such alternatives.
LeoVegas operates in an industry which is characterised by, inter alia, high innovation pace, new regulation and consolidation. In this context, the Board of Directors believes that the industrial logic and strategic fit between LeoVegas and MGM is attractive and should serve both the company and its employees well in the future.
The Board of Directors further notes that LeoVegas’ largest shareholder and Chief Executive Officer Gustaf Hagman and certain other shareholders, representing in aggregate 15.3 per cent of the outstanding shares and votes in the Company, have entered into undertakings to accept the Offer, subject to certain conditions, irrespective of whether a higher competing offer is made. In addition, Torsten Söderberg, who is also a Board member of LeoVegas and together with family owns 4.6 per cent of the outstanding shares, has stated that he is very supportive of the Offer.
As part of the Board of Directors’ evaluation of the Offer, the Board of Directors has engaged BDO to issue a so-called fairness opinion regarding the Offer, see Appendix 1. According to the fairness opinion, the Offer is fair to LeoVegas’ shareholders from a financial point of view (subject to the assumptions and considerations set out in the fairness opinion).
Under the Takeover Rules, the Board of Directors shall, based on the statements made by MGM in the Offer press release issued earlier today, present its opinion regarding the impact that the implementation of the Offer will have on LeoVegas, particularly in terms of employment, and its opinion regarding MGM’s strategic plans for LeoVegas and the effects it is anticipated that such plans will have on employment and on the places in which LeoVegas conducts its business. In this respect, the Board of Directors notes that MGM has stated that “MGM values the skills and talents of LeoVegas’ management and employees and intends to continue to safeguard the excellent relationship that LeoVegas has with its employees. Given MGM’s current knowledge of LeoVegas and in light of current market conditions, MGM does not intend to materially alter the operations of LeoVegas following the implementation of the Offer, subject, of course, to MGM’s continued regulatory review. There are currently no decisions on any material changes to LeoVegas’ or MGM’s employees and management or to the existing organization and operations, including the terms of employment and locations of the business”. The Board of Directors assumes that this description is correct and has no reason to take a different view in this respect.
Based on the above, the Board of Directors unanimously recommends the shareholders in LeoVegas to accept the Offer.
This statement shall in all respects be governed by and construed in accordance with Swedish law. Disputes arising from this statement shall be settled exclusively by Swedish courts.
The information in the press release is information that LeoVegas is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Takeover Rules. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 08.00 CEST on 2 May 2022.
[1] The Board member Torsten Söderberg and the Company’s largest shareholder and Chief Executive Officer Gustaf Hagman have not participated in the Board’s evaluation of or discussions regarding the Offer due to conflict of interest.
[2] Based on 97,652,970 outstanding shares in LeoVegas, which excludes 4,000,000 treasury shares held by LeoVegas. In the event that LeoVegas should pay any dividend or make any other value transfer prior to the settlement of the Offer, the price per share in the Offer will be reduced correspondingly.
[3] LOYS AG: 3,259,281 shares (3.3 per cent). Robin Ramm-Ericson: 2,250,000 shares (2.3 per cent). Pontus Hagnö: 1,000,000 shares (1.0 per cent). Gilston Invest AB: 400,000 shares (0.4 per cent).
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Spin Genie has revealed the exclusive debut of Cash Eruption The Western, the newest slot game from worldwide gaming supplier IGT.
The western-themed slot is now accessible to Spin Genie players, offering expanding wild features and an exciting respin bonus.
Located in a setting of frontier towns, safes, and money bags, Cash Eruption The Western operates on a 5-reel, 20-payline structure and features expanding Wild symbols.
The main attraction of the release is the Triple Cash Eruption Bonus, a hold-and-respin element activated by colored Cash Bag Scatter symbols. The bonus gives players an opportunity to earn Coin prizes, jackpot rewards, and strong modifiers, such as multipliers, collection features, and a Double Reels mode that operates on two reel sets at the same time.
Spin Genie, a prominent slots casino in the UK, is part of Kinetic Digital and with this release enhances its online slots collection from IGT that already features popular games like Magic of the Nile, Enchanted Lamp, and Pharaoh’s Fortune.
Kinetic Digital Head of Brand Marketing Dom Aldworth said: “Cash Eruption The Western is a fantastic addition to the Spin Genie portfolio, combining a hugely popular mechanic with a strong, immersive theme. IGT has elevated the Cash Eruption series with exciting new modifiers and features, and we’re delighted to bring this latest release to our players as part of our continued commitment to delivering the very best slot experiences.”
The post Spin Genie unveils exclusive new western slot adventure from IGT appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
Charles Mott, Founder and CEO of S Gaming, says finding success in the US is a tough task, but that studios who can replicate the magic of the casino floor have what it takes to make it stateside
There are plenty of European studios that have set their sights on finding success in the US, but very few have actually managed to achieve it. This is because they are making a common mistake, and that’s failing to translate the preferences of US slot players into their games.
For more than a decade now, the UK and European markets have been defined by “the chase” – high volatility slots with massive, infrequent max wins and jackpots that deliver anticipation and thrills, but that also exhaust the player’s balance in minutes.
But if you walk on to the floor of any Las Vegas casino, the atmosphere is different. It’s about “time at machine”. It’s the neon, the regular dopamine hits of smaller wins and the ability to make $100 provide an entire evening’s worth of entertainment.
As the US market increasingly moves to online, with more states embracing regulated iGaming, it’s no longer finding its feet with players now actively looking for a digital version of the land-based soul they have loved for many years.
Moving away from the “big win” to the “long session”
US players have been culturally conditioned by the physical casino experience. Unlike the high-stakes digital environment of Europe, the American player often views slots as a leisure activity rather than a jackpot hunt.
This is why S Gaming has focused on fun, entertainment and sustainability, with our games matching the “steady tortoise” cadence of land-based slot machines. They still deliver lots of big win potential, but across longer and more engaging sessions.
For operators like BetMGM and Fanatics, both of which we’ve recently partnered with, it’s not just about fun, it’s about retention.
A player who loses their balance in three minutes is a churn risk, but a player who wins small, frequent prizes stays in the ecosystem for longer and ultimately generates a much higher lifetime value.
Efficiency over ego
But it’s not just about having the right games, distribution is also key to cracking America. This is a notoriously difficult market because it’s not one jurisdiction, it’s five (and counting) regulatory islands and in each, you need to secure regulatory approvals.
This is actually a moat that keeps many smaller studios out. It’s an issue we had to overcome, and ultimately looked for a partner that could help us bridge the gap. Our agreement with Gaming Realms allows us to use its remote game server and licences to launch into US states.
This “Infrastructure-as-a-Service” model allows a studio to focus on “game grammar” (math and art) while the partner handles the “plumbing” (compliance and connectivity). It’s the leanest way to hit the ground running with a tier-one operator across multiple states simultaneously.
Why tier ones are buying in
You might be wondering why a tier one giant like BetMGM has joined forces with a boutique UK studio and facilitated its launch into the US.
But the reality is that operators are fighting soaring acquisition costs right now and this means they no longer want more games, they want differentiated games that reduce churn and keep players coming back for more.
Our focus on sustainable entertainment aligns with current US regulatory requirements and the focus on responsible gaming. Games designed for longer, lower stakes sessions are inherently “safer” and more palatable to regulators and risk-averse operators alike.
And they just hit the mark more with players. Sure, winning is a big part of playing online slots, but how you get to the win and the perceived entertainment value is now just as if not more so important – not just in the US but in the UK and Europe, too.
The data-driven evolution
Success does not come from a single launch – it comes from having a feedback loop. We now have a handful of games live in the US market, including our flagship Triple 7 Jackpot title, from which we are gathering real-time data on player behaviour.
This is allowing us to move from “what we think players want” to “what the data tells us they love” and this in turn is allowing us to refine our product roadmap and the games we are producing for the US market, ensuring each title is more culturally resonant than the last.
The new era of transatlantic growth
Cracking America in 2026 isn’t about having the loudest brand of the biggest marketing budget – it’s about understanding the psychology of the casino floor.
The studio’s that succeed will be those that realise the US player isn’t looking for a new way to gamble, they’re looking for a digital version of the “Vegas” feeling they’ve known and loved for decades.
The post Movers and Shakers: The blueprint for boutique studios looking to crack America appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
When Africa Gambles: Seasonality Patterns Across Five Markets Revealed by Blask , Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Egypt operate under diverse regulatory regimes and follow different domestic sports calendars — Egypt also observes a Friday–Saturday weekend. Yet, across these markets, gambling activity exhibits a shared rhythm: engagement climbs into Q4 and remains elevated through the year-end, with softer periods either mid-year (Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo) or late winter (Egypt). Peaks broadly coincide with the European club season, while in some markets domestic leagues run in parallel.
Blask’s Seasonality feature, drawing on data from January 2016 to February 2026, allows mapping engagement by month, day, and hour, revealing nuanced patterns in each market:
Nigeria: The Long Saturday
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Annual curve accelerates into Q4: October is the top month, followed closely by September, November, and December. June marks the low point, with a modest rebound in July before the late-summer climb.
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Weekly cycle is weekend-led: Saturday dominates, Sunday and Friday show smaller peaks, weekdays are quieter.
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Hourly pattern forms a broad plateau on Saturday, with elevated activity from early morning to late evening (5am–9pm Lagos time). Weekday engagement is lower, concentrating in the late afternoon and evening.
Tanzania: Saturday as a Corridor
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Annual rhythm mirrors Nigeria: softening in June–July, rising from August into a Q4 plateau. Top months are November–December, with October close behind.
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Weekly cycle hierarchy is clearer: Saturday is strongest, Sunday elevated but lower, Friday leads weekday peaks.
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Saturday functions as a corridor rather than a sharp spike: activity stays high from 7am–11pm Dar es Salaam time, peaking mid-afternoon to early evening (3pm–7pm). Weekday activity tilts toward evening post-work.
Kenya: Two Clocks in One Market
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Annual curve rises from August into Q4, with December at the peak, October and November following. Low points in June–July.
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Weekly peaks favor the weekend: Saturday #1, Sunday #2.
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Hourly pattern shows dual peaks: a primary late-afternoon to evening spike (3pm–9pm Nairobi time) and a secondary pre-dawn rise (3am–7am), particularly visible on weekends.
DR Congo: The Morning Market
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January remains unusually strong alongside December, which is the top month.
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Weekly cycle follows the familiar weekend pattern: Saturday leads, weekend days generally brighter.
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Hourly peak occurs in the morning, roughly 5am–9am Kinshasa time, shifting an hour later in eastern regions. Weekdays maintain the morning lift, with Saturday adding extra intensity.
Egypt: Friday Leadership and After-Midnight Play
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Annual curve climbs steadily to year-end: December tops, followed by November and October. Softest periods are February and March.
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Weekly cycle differs: Friday peaks, Thursday and Saturday slightly behind, reflecting Egypt’s Friday–Saturday weekend.
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Nighttime engagement is strongest in the group, concentrating after midnight (2am–5am Cairo time), consistently across all days of the week.
The Bigger Picture
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Q4 is peak season across all five markets. Nigeria peaks earliest (October), while Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo, and Egypt maintain high engagement through November–December. Four markets soften mid-year, Egypt peaks late winter.
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Weekend structures explain weekly splits: Saturday for Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo; Friday for Egypt.
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Hourly patterns diverge: Nigeria and Tanzania show broad Saturday blocks, Kenya focuses on prime time with pre-dawn tails, DR Congo peaks in the morning, Egypt peaks after midnight. Cross-market scheduling without these insights risks missing most demand.
The post When Africa gambles: seasonality patterns across five countries revealed by Blask appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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