A deal to buy the National Lottery operator Camelot has been agreed by Allwyn, the company that will be taking over the licence to run the National Lottery from February 2024.
Allwyn has secured the deal with the current owner, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, and the acquisition is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2023 subject to regulatory approvals. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The licence held by Camelot is known as the third licence because it has been renewed twice, and Allwyn’s will be the fourth.
Robert Chvátal, CEO of Allwyn, 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 £20bn for good causes and has supported thousands of organisations across the UK. 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.”
The acquisition has been welcomed by the Fed (Federation of Independent Retailers).
Fed national president Jason Birks said: “We congratulate Allwyn on the acquisition of Camelot from Ontario Teachers and hope that we can continue a strong relationship that is mutually beneficial.
“The Fed calls on Allwyn to consider the independent retailer during this transition, as they are central to the functionality of the lottery system and must be supported fully during this changeover.
“We hope that Allwyn will take the time to meet with the Fed to mitigate any impact this transition may have, and we look forward to working together.”
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