Allwyn AG (“Allwyn” or the “Company”), Europe’s leading lottery operator, and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (“Ontario Teachers’ ”) announced on November 19 that Allwyn has agreed to acquire Camelot UK Lotteries Limited (“Camelot”).
Upon completion of the acquisition from Ontario Teachers’, Camelot UK Lotteries Limited, the current operator of the National Lottery under a licence that runs until 31 January 2024 (“the Third Licence”), will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Allwyn. The acquisition is anticipated to close in Q1 2023 subject to regulatory approvals, including from the Gambling Commission. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Earlier this year, the Gambling Commission awarded Allwyn Entertainment Ltd (“AEL”) the licence to operate the National Lottery from 1 February 2024 (“the Fourth Licence”). Camelot will continue to be operated separately, in accordance with the terms of the Third Licence. Allwyn’s ownership of Camelot will help facilitate a smooth transition as AEL prepares to take over the operation of the National Lottery from February 2024. AEL is working collaboratively with both Camelot and the Gambling Commission on its transition plan for the Fourth Licence.
Robert Chvátal, CEO of Allwyn AG, commented, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to acquire the current operator of the Third Licence for the UK National Lottery. Allwyn and Camelot share a common goal: a passion to protect and improve the UK National Lottery, and the good causes it celebrates. Common ownership of the operators of both the Third and Fourth Licences will help ensure the successful delivery of the National Lottery both in 2023 and over the next decade.
“Allwyn is committed to making the National Lottery better, raising more for good causes and improving player protection. This deal strengthens the transition process and helps support Allwyn in achieving its vision for the National Lottery.”
Nick Jansa, Executive Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Ontario Teachers’, said, “We are proud to have been a strong supporter and partner of the National Lottery over the past 12 years. In that time, under Camelot’s stewardship The National Lottery has raised more than £20 billion for good causes and has supported thousands of organisations across the United Kingdom. We believe this sale best positions the National Lottery for a smooth transition to the Fourth Licence operator and wish Allwyn every success. I want to express my sincere thanks to Camelot’s management and employees for their tremendous efforts in successfully running the National Lottery over the last decade, including achieving record revenues to good causes in the last year.”