Gopher Investments urges Playtech to delay vote on Barinboim Finalto bid

Should the meeting go ahead on 15 July, Gopher – a Playtech minority shareholder – has urged the technology group to vote against Barinboim Group’s offer – as recommended by advisory group Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS).

Gopher sought to clarify some misconceptions about its $250m offer for Finalto.

As well as confirming that the $250m is ring-fenced and immediately available, the company also stressed that it is confident that it would receive the necessary regulatory approval. It also believes that its offer is “on materially equivalent terms” to Barinboim’s proposal, meaning that negotiations can be entered into swiftly.

The Barinboim consortium’s initial offer was sent in May after lengthy negotiations with Playtech. The $185m deal would rise to as high as $210m if certain conditions were met.

A statement from Gopher Investments said: “As the Board noted in their Announcement, the consortium’s offer remains subject to shareholder approval at the general meeting and approval of regulatory authorities. There can, therefore, be no certainty that the consortium’s offer will proceed to completion.

“Gopher urges the Board to adjourn the general meeting and engage in discussions with Gopher to proceed towards a recommended transaction that delivers materially better value to Playtech’s shareholders. An adjournment of the general meeting for a short period of time does not preclude the Board from proceeding with the consortium’s offer and provides both the Board and shareholders with optionality.”