GamblersPost Gamblers Post is a dedicated news and networking portal in the online gambling industry which features news, opinions, interviews as well as product and software reviews.
Investors have signaled overwhelming support for the landmark Allwyn OPAP merger! An extraordinary general meeting revealed that merely 6.7% of outstanding shares opted for compensation through exit rights.
The transaction, which will establish the world’s second-largest publicly listed lottery and gaming operator, represents one of the most significant consolidations in the industry’s recent history. With a combined valuation reaching €16 billion, the new entity wants to reshape Europe’s gaming landscape.
Shareholders who exercised their exit rights received €19.04 per share, totaling roughly €456 million in cash payouts funded through Allwyn’s existing bank facilities. The low participation rate suggests strong confidence in the strategic rationale behind the combination.
The merger unites Czech-based Allwyn, a major European lottery operator, with Athens-listed OPAP, Greece’s dominant gaming company. Post-merger, the group will maintain its Athens Stock Exchange listing while relocating its headquarters to Switzerland.
Allwyn’s vision
According to Allwyn CEO Robert Chvatal, the shareholder response validates the company’s vision: “This is a strong vote of confidence in the benefits of this exciting transaction.” OPAP CEO Jan Karas added that the deal “will reshape the future of our industry.”
The transaction structure involves OPAP redomiciling to Luxembourg and rebranding as Allwyn AG. Following this conversion, Allwyn will inject its assets into OPAP in exchange for 445 million newly issued shares.
Post-completion, KKCG Group will maintain majority control with approximately 78% ownership. The remaining shares will be held by public investors and minority stakeholders, ensuring continued liquidity on the Athens exchange.
Industry analysts view the merger as a transformative deal that will create substantial synergies through shared technology platforms, expanded market reach, and operational efficiencies across the combined European footprint.
