A Bloomberg article states that Brookfield Asset Management’s private equity division and Apollo Global Management have expressed interest in purchasing Scientific Games’ worldwide lottery operations.
While neither Brookfield, Apollo, nor Scientific Games have issued statements on the subject, sources informed Bloomberg that there is definite interest. According to reports, Scientific Games has been engaged in discussions with private equity firms regarding a possible sale of its lottery division, and earlier this week, there were rumors that the corporation was contemplating an initial public offering in Australia. The IPO has the potential to generate an estimated A$4 billion (US$3 billion), with the share sale process possibly commencing as early as this week.
Bloomberg also mentioned that no definitive decision has been reached regarding a sale, and that Scientific Games could ultimately choose to retain the division. Scientific Games announced earlier this year that it was investigating alternatives for spinning off its lottery and sports wagering divisions, including a merger with a special purpose acquisition company or a strategic partnership with another company, in an attempt to decrease debt.
In a cash and stock transaction finalized last month, the group agreed to sell OpenBet, its sports betting business, to Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. for $1.2 billion.