CMA Approved Evolution NetEnt Deal

‘CMA UK Approved Evolution’s NetEnt Take Over Bid’ (image source: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/25784/s960_Logo.uk.jpg)

The NASDAQ Stockholm Evolution NetEnt acquisition worth $1.9 billion (€1.6 billion) is set to move forward and could potentially happen before 2020 is out. In June, this year Evolution submitted a bid to acquire all NetEnt NASDAQ shares in a move to acquire NetEnt’s brand worth SEK19.6 billion.

With NetEnt already a firm contender in the live casino market, and Evolution already acquiring Ezugi all of which are now operating in US, UK, and European markets under US state, UKGC, MGA, and other remote gambling licenses, heads were turned as to whether Evolution’s acquisition may resemble a monopoly of the market. The two key authorities involved in the competition checks were the ‘Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority’ which already passed Evolution for the deal in September. However, the ‘UK Competition and Markets Authority’ took a while longer to deliver their verdict. The UK authority gave the green light with no unfair competition or monopoly regulations seem to be at risk.

With the news finally out, Evolution Gaming Group AB (STO:EVO) shares rose by 2.16% while NetEnt AB (STO:NET-B) shares also increased, now trading 2.37% higher. It just goes to show how important the ‘UK Competition and Markets Authority’ was as Evolution and NetEnt both have huge customer bases in the UK iGaming market.

Just 3 Days to Go for NetEnt To Accept

This is a news story itself, as the formal offer sent to NetEnt shareholders was back in June with the acceptance period deadline on 20 November 2020. That leaves 3 days remaining and with the long-awaited UK approval now through, there is nothing holding back the deal. Evolution can take over NetEnt in a smooth deal without regulatory issues hanging over their heads.

It seems likely that NetEnt shareholders will accept the deal, as they will receive Evolution shares to replacer their NetEnt shares. On top of this, the shares Evolution plan to provide shareholders will give them a portfolio worth up to 5% more than their current NetEnt portfolio. Furthermore, Evolution is showing huge potential with growth into the US market with its New Jersey live dealer studio in full swing and a second live dealer studio now open and operating in Pennsylvania. The firm also reported €204 Million Profits for 2020!

For Evolution this deal is not about picking up the NetEnt live dealer studio, It is all about the acquisition of NetEnt’s brilliant and immensely popular video slots collection that will help broaden Evolution’s horizons with another vertical to its online casino platform. With the addition of online slots that also comes with a progressive jackpot network, Evolution will arguably have a complete online casino platform that competes in most sectors of the iGaming industry.

Stay tuned for fresh developments on the ‘UK Competition and Markets Authority’ Acquisition situation as we bring live casino news covering every step of the deal as we edge closer to discovering whether

Evolution NetEnt Acquisition Timeline

  • June 2020—formal offer sent by Evolution to NetEnt
  • September 2020—‘Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority’ approve the acquisition
  • November 2020—‘UK Competition and Markets Authority’ approve the acquisition
  • 20th November 2020—acceptance of acquisition offer expires

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