PARIS, FRANCE: La Française des Jeux (FDJ) has signed an settlement to purchase the ZEturf group, which operates on-line horse-race betting in addition to on-line sports activities betting under the ZEbet brand.
This settlement follows FDJ’s announcement on 19 September 2022 that it had entered into unique negotiations with ZEturf.
Stéphane Pallez, Chairwoman and CEO of FDJ Group, commented: “I’m delighted that we’ve signed an settlement to purchase the ZEturf group, a key participant in on-line horse-race betting. With this transaction and the launch of our poker range, which collectively strengthen our growth prospects, FDJ is optimally positioned to become a main participant within the French marketplace for on-line video games open to competition, whereas remaining true to our recreational, accountable and redistributive gaming model.”
Emmanuel de Rohan-Chabot, founding father of the ZEturf group, commented: “Twelve years after on-line betting was opened as much as competitors in France, the tie-up between the ZEturf group and FDJ Group’s on-line sports activities betting enterprise marks a brand new stage in our development, bringing collectively the strengths of two complementary operators. It’s additionally an alternative for our staff to bring their experience to bear as a half of a extremely engaged, ambitious group and to profit from the synergies created by this tie-up.”
Founded in 2001, the ZEturf group has round 100 employees and generated nearly €50 million in income in 2021. The transaction places the ZEturf group’s worth at €175 million. Additional consideration could additionally be paid relying on efficiency in 2023. The transaction will be accretive for the contribution margin of FDJ’s Sports Betting & Online Gaming BU from 2024.
It is anticipated to shut within the second half of 2023, as soon as the conditions precedent have been met, collectively with approval by the French Competition Authority.
In this transaction Mayer Brown served as authorized counsel and Messier & Associés as monetary advisor to FDJ.
France’s nationwide lottery and main gaming operator, the #2 lottery in Europe and #4 worldwide, FDJ offers secure, enjoyable and accountable gaming to the general public within the type of lottery video games (draws and instant games) and sports activities betting (ParionsSport), available from bodily outlets and online. FDJ’s efficiency is pushed by a portfolio of iconic and up to date brands, the #1 native gross sales community in France, a rising market, recurring funding and a technique of innovation to make its providing and distribution extra attractive with an enhanced gaming experience.
FDJ Group is listed on the Euronext Paris regulated market (Compartment A – FDJ.PA) and is included in indices such because the SBF 120, Euronext 100, Euronext Vigeo 20, EN EZ ESG L 80, STOXX Europe 600, MSCI Europe and FTSE Euro.