Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares of NYX Gaming Group Limited (TSX-V: NYX) for CDN $2.40 per share, equivalent to an enterprise value of approximately CDN $775 million, or approximately US $631 million.
Upon closing of the transaction, Matt Davey, Chief Executive Officer of NYX, will oversee a newly created Digital Gaming and Sports division at Scientific Games, working with the leadership of NYX and SG Interactive, including Leigh Nissim, Managing Director, B2B Interactive of Scientific Games. Matt Davey will report to Kevin Sheehan, Scientific Games’ President and Chief Executive Officer.
Davey is the single largest shareholder of NYX, controlling 12,794,793 shares (11.8%).
Scientific Games, a world leader offering customers a fully integrated portfolio of technology platforms, robust systems, engaging content and services, and NYX, one of the fastest growing B2B real-money digital gaming and sports betting platforms in the world, will form an industry-leading force across iGaming, iLottery and Sports.
“This important transaction creates a global gaming and lottery powerhouse. Scientific Games will be a stronger industry leader offering one of the broadest end-to-end portfolios of engaging content, innovative technologies and digital products and services across gaming and lottery,” said Sheehan. “This strategic and financially compelling acquisition combines NYX’s premier digital gaming and sports betting platforms and expansive distribution network to our own global, industry-leading content, technologies and digital products and services. NYX ideally positions us to capitalize on the growing online gaming and sports betting markets.”
“Scientific Games’ acquisition of NYX will provide immediate and compelling cash value for our shareholders, expand the products and solutions we are collectively able to offer our customers and accelerate the execution of our long-term strategic plan,” said Davey. “We will now have scale, content and product development capabilities, complementary global infrastructure and access to an expanded customer base. We believe Scientific Games is the ideal partner for NYX, and we look forward to working alongside the talented Scientific Games team.”
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. served as financial advisor to Scientific Games, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, McMillan LLP and Appleby (Guernsey) LLP served as legal advisors to Scientific Games.
Lazard Frères & Co. LLC and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. served as joint-lead financial advisors to NYX, and Latham & Watkins LLP, Carey Olsen LLP and Stikeman Elliott LLP served as legal advisors to NYX.
photo credit: NYX Gaming