US private equity fund Apollo Global Management (Apollo) has this morning confirmed that it has acquired a 48.6% stake in Italian gambling group Gamenet SPA.

Issuing a market filing, Apollo confirms that it aims to delist the company for its index on the Borsa Milan stock exchange.

The former Italian gambling subsidiary of Greek gambling group Intralot SPA, in 2018 Gamenet became Italy’s largest multi-concession operator having acquired retail betting group Goldbet outright for €275 million.

The deal would see, Gamenet aggressively expand its Italian market footprint, surpassing +1,700 concessions and servicing a retail betting network of +900 betting points. Expanding its operations in 2019, Gamenet governance has placed all sports wagering properties under the Goldbet domain.

In addition, Gamenet operates an active portfolio of 70 gaming halls and +38,000 gaming machines across Italy.

Apollo’s transaction will see the US PE firm replace Trilantic Capital Partners ‘LUX EURINVEST’ fund and Intralot SPA’s Investment unit as the main shareholder of Gamenet.

Considered one of the largest private equity funds, Apollo maintains a reported $77 billion in assets under its management. The PE fund has maintained an active presence in gambling, having formerly acted co-majority shareholder in US casino operator Caesars Entertainment

Source: SBCnews( Agipro news)

By DOMENICO DRAGONE

iGaming expert - with over 10 years of experience in the retail market in Italy and knowledge of global online gaming. In the past he has worked with the largest national gambling companies and he managed some land-based shops on their behalf. Entrepreneur, investor and enthusiast of difficult challenges, in 2015 he founded The Betting Coach Group, an international news and social marketing agency geared towards sports, esports and gambling companies. He is currently the C.E.O of The Betting Coach and is a consultant for Loginbet.it Mr. Dragone collaborates with providers (game developers) and event organizers with the aim of helping them develop networks and business across continents. Passionate about journalism, he is the creator and promoter of iGaming Cafè, the first talk show in Italy, dedicated to companies and delegates from the gaming world.

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