Economy

Entain Stabilizes Its Company While Crystalbet is Closing Down

Entain shares the findings of its strategic review by the Board's Capital Allocation Committee, advocating for the sale of Crystalbet.

SymClub
May 21, 2024
2 min read
Newscasino
Entain chairman Barry Gibson, above, said Tuesday the company has the “core strengths, brands, and...
Entain chairman Barry Gibson, above, said Tuesday the company has the “core strengths, brands, and products to be competitive across its markets.”

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Entain Stabilizes Its Company While Crystalbet is Closing Down

Following a bumpy two-year period where Entain's (OTC: GMVHF) shares dropped down to a third of their September 2021 peak, the online wagering company is equipped to provide sustainable growth. This assessment comes from the Board's Capital Allocation Committee's (CapCo) evaluation of Entain's spectrum of markets, brands, and verticals.

CapCo shared its insights with investors, stating that Entain now possesses a "balanced roster of diversified strategic resources, brands, expertise, and geographical reach" to help drive expansion and provide value to shareholders.

Nonetheless, the review disclosed that Crystalbet, the leading gaming brand in Georgia, was deemed a non-essential asset and hence superfluous. Consequent alternatives, such as "receiving interest from prospective purchasers," will be considered for the brand.

Grumbling Investors

Enraged stockholders prompted the formation of the committee in January, as they grew more vocal about Entain's future direction. Reports of disharmony within the organization prompted the departure of CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen in December.

Eminence Capital's founder, Ricky Sandler, who now holds a board position, was particularly vocal in his criticism of Entain's M&A approach. He expressed his discontent with the company's practice of funding acquisitions through "undervalued equity," considering it "an empire building, shareholder value-eroding strategy."

In March, Entain made a statement announcing that it had enlisted the help of advisory firm Moelis to facilitate the potential sale of superfluous brands. Other than CrystalBet, these included Netherlands-based BetCity, Sweden-based Enlabs, and Ladbrokes Australia. PartyPoker was also believed to be on the market. These assets were excluded from Tuesday's report.

"Captivating Prospects"

The review highlighted the substantial potential by concentrating on implementing Entain's strategy of "regaining organic revenue growth, widening margins, and triumphing in the US." It asserted that the company's financial standing and borrowing capacity had improved.

Other positive signs, according to the report, included a robust performance in Brazil, the projection of a revival in the UK's market later in 2023, regulatory authorization in Nevada, and progress in the launch of BetMGM's product roadmap.

Barry Gibson, Entain's chair, reflected on the CapCo assessment, commenting: "I am thrilled that the Capital Allocation Committee has finalized its strategic review of our portfolio. Although we have some way to go to enhance our operational efficiency, the Board is satisfied with the progress Entain is making thus far in 2023 as it aligns with our strategy. The Group boasts the necessary assets, brands, and products to contend in its markets and remains a worldwide leader in betting and gaming."

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Source: www.casino.org

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