PokerStars targets India launch in 2017

Rafi Ashkenazi, chief executive of Amaya, has said the company’s PokerStars brand hopes to launch in India early next year.

Ashkenazi told CalvinAyre.com that the Indian market could be worth as much as $150 million (€141.5 million) in revenue each year and could help recover losses in Australia.

However, Ashkenazi added that PokerStars would require a local partner in the country if it is to launch in 2017.

Ashkenazi’s comments come after Amaya last week announced that former chief executive David Baazov has submitted an offer to acquire the company.

Baazov put forward an offer of CAN24.00 (€16.71/US$17.72) per common share on behalf of his party, with the bid now to be considered by Amaya’s board.

Amaya also revealed that it achieved year-on-year financial growth in the three months to September 30, with revenue up 9.5% to US$270.8 million, and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, deprecation and amortisation up 14% to $123.2 million.

Related article: Amaya Q3 growth as Baazov submits takeover bid