ZEAL driven by B2C growth in first nine months

ZEAL Group has cited the “strong” performance of its B2C segment as the main reason behind an increase in billings and profitability during the nine months to September 30.

Billings, comprising all stakes from its customers, totalled €204.4 million ($220 million) in the three-quarter period, up 5% on the €195.2 million posted at the same point last year.

Total operating performance was up 10% year-on-year to €101.2 million, while earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) climbed 13% to €23.3 million.

In addition, normalised revenue was up to €106.3 million, while earnings per share increased by 90% to €1.84.

Dr. Helmut Becker, chief executive of ZEAL, said: “We are very satisfied with the group's performance for the first nine months of 2016; we have delivered an increase in billings and EBIT, driven by a strong performance in our B2C segment.

“We successfully launched seven new instant win games, launched a new and improved webshop and increased marketing investments.

“Our approved licence application in Ireland represents an important step towards the internationalisation of our B2C offering; we intend to launch in this market during the first quarter of 2017.

“In the BBG segment, we have made great progress with our specialised platform, whilst we continue to explore new markets and are making progress with licence applications.”

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