FDJ Expands International Presence with Acquisition of Premier Lotteries Ireland
La Française des Jeux (FDJ) has signed a significant agreement to acquire Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), the exclusive operator of the Irish National Lottery until 2034. The acquisition will see FDJ take over the entire share capital of Premier Lotteries Ireland at an enterprise value of 350 million euros.
New chapter
Stéphane Pallez, Chairwoman, and CEO of FDJ Group, expressed her delight about the deal, stating: “I am very pleased to welcome Premier Lotteries Ireland, a long-lasting partner of the Euromillions community, within the FDJ Group for our first venture as lottery operator outside France. This transaction is perfectly aligned with our international development strategy and our historical core business. It will enable FDJ to continue to grow while remaining true to its recreational, responsible and redistributive gaming model. We are looking forward to working together, taking the most of all collaboration opportunities.”
Premier Lotteries Ireland’s CEO, Andrew Algeo, shared his excitement about the new chapter in PLI’s history: “I am grateful to both OTPP and An Post who have been generous supporters of PLI, and the National Lottery has grown substantially and sustainably on their watch. The PLI team looks forward to creating an even better Irish National Lottery with FDJ and contributing to FDJ’s international lottery expansion.”
In 2014, the Irish National Lottery’s license was awarded to Premier Lotteries Ireland for a 20-year period until November 2034. The consortium was led by Canadian pension fund Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, along with An Post and the An Post Pension Fund.
7th largest gaming market
The Irish betting and gaming market is Europe’s 7th largest, with 76% of adults in Ireland having played a lottery game in 2022. Premier Lotteries Ireland contributed significantly to Good Causes, with almost 260 million euros donated to more than 4,000 charitable organizations out of a gross gaming revenue of 399 million euros.
Premier Lotteries Ireland offers a diverse range of approximately 45 games, available through over 5,300 points of sale and online, where digital stakes accounted for over 15% of the total. Draw games and instant games are the primary components of its stakes.
The completion of this transaction is subject to customary conditions, including approval by the regulator of the Irish National Lottery, and is expected to take place in the second half of 2023.
In this landmark transaction, Clifford Chance and A&L Goodbody LLP served as legal counsel, while BNP Paribas acted as the financial advisor to FDJ. With this strategic move, FDJ is set to expand its global presence and further solidify its position as a prominent player in the international lottery and gaming industry.
