FDJ Announces the Acquisition of Premier Lotteries Ireland and Continues Its International Development

Boulogne, November 3, 2023 (5:45 p.m.) – La Française des Jeux (FDJ) announces the finalization of the acquisition of 100% of the capital of Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), operator holding exclusive rights to operate the Irish national lottery until in 2034. This announcement follows authorization granted by the Irish National Lottery regulator last October.

The acquisition of PLI, completed today, allows the Group to become, for the first time, the operator of a foreign lottery, thus being part of FDJ’s strategic ambition to become an international B2C operator, both in lottery as well as sports betting and online games.

Stéphane Pallez, Chairman and CEO of the FDJ group, announced: “  La Française des Jeux is opening a new chapter in its history by realizing its ambition to develop its international presence as a lottery and online gaming operator. The synergies between FDJ and Premier Lotteries Ireland will draw on our respective and recognized expertise to market a recreational and responsible gaming offering to the general Irish public .”

Andrew Algeo, Managing Director of Premier Lotteries Ireland, said: “ FDJ’s support opens an exciting new chapter in PLI’s history, which will benefit the Irish National Lottery and its many stakeholders. I am grateful to our shareholders Ontario Teachers’ and An Post for their support which has enabled the National Lottery to experience sustained and sustainable growth. The PLI team looks forward to partnering with FDJ for an even better Irish National Lottery and contributing to FDJ’s international expansion in the lottery sector. »

In 2022, Premier Lotteries Ireland recorded a gross gaming revenue (GRG) of €399 million and a turnover of €140 million, with an EBITDA margin rate comparable to that of FDJ. PLI has been the licensee of the Irish National Lottery since 2014 and holds exclusive rights until November 2034.

With more than two hundred employees, Premier Lotteries Ireland offers a range of around forty games, marketed in a diversified network of more than 5,300 points of sale, and online, with more than 15% of digital bets. Draw games represent two-thirds of its stakes and instant games a third. In 2022, PLI redistributed 65% of its gross gaming product (GRP), or nearly 260 million euros, to more than 4,000 charities and “Good Causes”.

A strategic plan, which aims to accelerate growth and increase PLI’s profitability, is currently being jointly developed. It is based on sharing best practices from the two operators to capitalize on FDJ’s experience, enhance PLI’s portfolio of instant games, boost the player base for draw games and continue improving the digital experience. Irish players.

SOURCE: La Française des Jeux (FDJ).