Playtech acquires bingo specialist ECM Systems
Playtech has acquired provider ECM Systems, a UK-facing provider of bingo software and hardware solutions.
Under the deal, Playtech will pay around £14.9 million (€16.7 million/$18.2 million) for 90% of the issued share capital of ECM.
The remaining 10%, subject to put and call options capped at £1.1 million, is held by chief executive Allen Richardson, who will remain in his role at the company for at least the next three years.
Playtech said that the agreement positions it at the “forefront of the retail bingo market in the UK” and will enable it to provide omni-channel solutions to bingo operators by connecting their retail and online operations, in addition to providing a platform to supply Playtech content.
ECM, which posted revenue of £9.1 million in the 2016 financial year, counts the likes of Gala Leisure and Mecca Bingo amongst its customers.
Mor Weizer, chief executive of Playtech, said: “ECM has a leading position within the bingo hall sector, including its extensive range of handheld devices that enable players to enjoy a digital experience within a familiar retail environment.
“This is a significant step in strengthening and expanding our Playtech ONE offering within the bingo sector and we look forward to working with Allen and the whole ECM team.”
Meanwhile, Playtech has joined forces with the Warner Bros. Consumer Products arm of US entertainment company Warner Bros. to launch a series of special slot games.
Working in partnership with the DC Entertainment subsidiary of Warner Bros., Playtech will develop a total of six branded titles.
Playtech has already launched the first two games in the series, in the form of ‘Batman & The Joker Jewels’ and ‘Batman & Catwoman Cash’, both of which are based on DC’s 1960’s Batman classic television series.
Titles due to go live by the end of this year and in early 2017 will be based on DC films ‘Superman I’, ‘Superman II’, ‘Man of Steel’ and ‘Green Lantern’.
Shimon Akad, chief operating officer of Playtech, said: “I’m extremely proud of our collaboration between Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Playtech’s innovative development studios.
“The Batman Classic TV Series games, that will rapidly be followed by Superman I, Superman II, and Man of Steel and a whole host of other DC Super Hero branded games, are a premium addition to our best-performing range of the industry’s leading progressive jackpot slot content and will provide our licensees and DC Super Hero fans with the ultimate Batman gaming experience.”
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