Evoke plc will combine Winner.ro with its Romania-facing 888.ro business. It said that this will establish the fourth largest brand by 7% market share in the region.
The deal will see Evoke own up to 57% of the business once this was finalized. The remaining stake three years after the acquisition closes, the group can exercise this option. It expects the transaction to end in the third quarter of 2024.
Per Widerstrom, CEO or Evoke said that the deal was consistent with its M&A strategy to combine low-capital, high-impact opportunities.
He said that they have enjoyed significant success in Romania, which is an exciting growth market. This combination will cement a leading position for Evoke.
Widerstrom added that he is looking forward to working with the whole team at Winner to deliver ongoing profitable growth and market share gains, as they deliver exceptional products through two incredibly strong and complementary brands.
In 2019, the brand Winner.ro established itself through an omnichannel approach. This featured 20,000 retail deposit points. Winner delivered gross gaming revenue of estimated €19.0 million.
On the third-party Newton platform, the combined business will operate. This will benefit from a highly localized technology, product, and player platform. Nicklas Zajdel, CEO of Winner.ro will continue at the wheel. In Romania, the business will join with 500-strong staff of Evoke.
According to the group, the purchase doesn’t change its guidance for 2024. It is expected to boost earnings from next year.
A few days ago, the London-listed group said that it is buying 51% stake in New Gambling Solutions. This is the seventh largest online betting and gaming operator of Romania.
Together with the acquisition, the gaming company has described Romania as its fifth core market together with the UK, Italy, Spain, and Denmark. Winner will now join its global portfolio including brands like William Hill, 888, and Mr. Green.
