Apollo Pays

What is Apollo Pays?

The definitive share transfer agreement is expected to be signed following the completion of mandatory employee information and consultation procedures at Casigrangi and at the Casino de Gruissan’s social and economic committee. 

Closing of the transaction is targeted for the first quarter of 2027.

Following closing, Merkur intends to file the mandatory tender offer with the AMF in the first half of 2027, with the offer launch contingent on the regulator’s clearance.

About Apollo Pays

Meanwhile Blackstone, Cirsa’s largest shareholder, is expected to become the largest shareholder of the combined company, maintaining around 24% of the share capital.

The deal is expected to provide around €115 million of pre-tax cash synergies per year from opex and interest cost savings. These synergies are expected to be realised by the third full year following completion.

Angelozzi is set to serve as the combined company’s chairman and CEO, while Lottomatica’s deputy CEO and CFO Laurence Van Lancker will assume the same role.

How to play Apollo Pays

Bengtsson described the growth and early signs of success across the platform as “encouraging”.

“Growth continues to be driven by existing customers in slots and casino, although we are starting to broaden our offering through our sport business where recent momentum has been building.”

While Sun International did not disclose SunBet’s current share of the South African online market, the company in March said it had plans to double its market share.