Consolidation in Italy?

The industry trend toward consolidation reached Italy this week with media reports that Lottomatica and Sisal Italia have recommenced merger negotiations that could lead to the creation of Italy’s biggest online and retail betting group with a value of over Euro 1.5 billion.

La Repubblica, a major Italian newspaper, reported that Sisal has reconsidered its buy-out options following the cancellation of its IPO earlier this year, and that Lottomatica remains its preferred partner in a potential agreement.

The two organisations have discussed a merger on and off since early this year, the newspaper reports, and have again started talking.

Escalating taxes and reduced wagering have put more pressure on the market for consolidation, which local analysts expect will be a feature in coming months and years.

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