888 acquires remaining shares in All American Poker Network

The company revealed that it has paid US$28 million for the remaining 53% of shares.

US.- 888 has announced the signing of an agreement by its subsidiaries 888 US and 888 US Holdings for the acquisition of the remaining 53% interest in All American Poker Network (AAPN) that 888 didn’t already own, from its joint venture partner Avenue OLG Entertainment and other minority shareholders for US$28 million.

The AAPN joint venture was established between Avenue OLG Entertainment and 888 in March 2013 to launch 888’s B2C brands in the regulated online gaming market in the United States. Since November 2013, the 888poker and 888casino brands have been operating in New Jersey.

The transaction will give 888 independent control of its growth strategy in the US moving forward. This strategy includes signing new partnerships and continuing to deploy its proprietary products and technology (both B2B and B2C) in new states as they regulate.

Itai Frieberger, chief executive of 888, said: “The acquisition of the remaining stake in AAPN is an important strategic step towards 888 achieving its exciting long-term potential in the US. Taking outright ownership of AAPN gives 888 additional operational, technological and commercial flexibility to develop innovative and exciting new partnerships and launch in new states – through both B2B and B2C channels – as and when future regulation allows. This acquisition places 888 in an even better position to take advantage of the significant growth opportunities in the US and create additional value for our shareholders.

“The AAPN joint venture has been a very successful endeavour for the Group. It has afforded us the flexibility and financial capability to build a position in the regulated US market over the last five years whilst also investing in other global regulated markets. I would like to thank Avenue Capital for being fantastic partners in this venture since 2013.”