Evoke, a prominent operator known for its brands such as William Hill, 888, and Mr Green, has recently made a significant strategic move by acquiring New Gambling Solutions S.R.L., the operator of Winner.ro, a leading Romanian online gambling platform. This acquisition marks a pivotal step in Evoke’s expansion strategy, bringing together 888.ro and Winner.ro under a new combined business entity. The transaction involves Evoke injecting its existing Romania operations and an additional cash consideration of €10 million ($11.12 million) for a 51% share in the Romanian company. This acquisition will position Romania as Evoke’s fifth core market, alongside the UK, Italy, Spain, and Denmark.
Evoke’s Strategic Expansion into Romania
Evoke’s CEO, Per Widerström, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, highlighting the strategic importance of the Romanian market to Evoke’s growth ambitions. “I am excited to announce the addition of Winner to the Evoke portfolio,” Widerström said. “We have enjoyed significant success in Romania, which is an exciting growth market. This combination will cement a leading position for Evoke, and I am looking forward to working with the whole team at Winner to deliver ongoing profitable growth and market share gains, as we deliver exceptional products through two incredibly strong and complementary brands.”
Romania’s gaming market has shown remarkable growth in recent years, making it an attractive destination for international operators looking to expand their footprint. With this acquisition, Evoke aims to leverage its expertise and resources to further enhance its position in this burgeoning market. The addition of Winner.ro to Evoke’s portfolio will enable the company to offer a more diverse range of products and services to Romanian customers, thereby increasing its market share and driving sustainable growth.
Synergies and Benefits of the Acquisition
The acquisition of Winner.ro by Evoke is expected to create significant synergies and benefits for both companies. By combining the strengths of 888.ro and Winner.ro, Evoke aims to create a more robust and competitive business in Romania. This strategic move will allow Evoke to leverage Winner’s strong local presence and deep understanding of the Romanian market, while also benefiting from Evoke’s global expertise and resources.
Nicklas Zajdel, CEO of Winner.ro, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, emphasizing the potential for growth and value creation that the transaction brings. “This is an incredibly exciting transaction,” Zajdel said. “Romania is a high-growth market, and this combination sets us on the path to a sustainable, profitable, market-leading position. Winner has a strong leadership team, and we are building on our success in the market through our highly localized approach and competitive advantages such as our product platform, our enhanced personalization, and wide network of deposit points. I look forward to working with the team at Evoke to further deploy these competitive advantages across the enlarged business, driving significant benefits to our customers with enhanced personalization, and ultimately driving our success in the market and value creation.”
Market Dynamics and Growth Potential
The Romanian online gambling market has been experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing internet penetration, rising disposable incomes, and a favorable regulatory environment. According to recent industry reports, the Romanian online gambling market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 12% in the coming years, making it one of the fastest-growing markets in Europe.
Evoke’s decision to acquire Winner.ro is a strategic move aimed at capitalizing on this growth potential. By combining the strengths of 888.ro and Winner.ro, Evoke aims to create a more comprehensive and competitive offering for Romanian customers. This will enable Evoke to capture a larger share of the market and drive long-term sustainable growth.
Future Outlook and Strategic Priorities
Looking ahead, Evoke has set its sights on further expanding its presence in the Romanian market and driving sustainable growth through a combination of organic and inorganic initiatives. The company plans to leverage its global expertise and resources to enhance its product offerings and deliver exceptional experiences to Romanian customers.
Strengthening Brand Presence
By combining the strengths of 888.ro and Winner.ro, Evoke aims to create a stronger and more competitive brand presence in the Romanian market. This will enable the company to attract a larger customer base and increase its market share.
Enhancing Customer Experience
Evoke is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences through personalized offerings, innovative products, and a user-friendly platform. The company plans to leverage its global expertise in customer service and technology to enhance the overall customer experience in Romania.
Expanding Product Portfolio
Evoke plans to expand its product portfolio in Romania by offering a wider range of betting and gaming options. This will enable the company to cater to the diverse preferences of Romanian customers and drive higher engagement and retention rates.
Investing in Technology and Innovation
Evoke recognizes the importance of technology and innovation in driving growth in the online gambling industry. The company plans to invest in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to enhance its platform and deliver superior experiences to Romanian customers.
Driving Sustainable Growth
Evoke is focused on driving sustainable growth in Romania through a combination of organic and inorganic initiatives. The company plans to leverage its global expertise and resources to capture a larger share of the market and drive long-term value creation.
The acquisition of Winner.ro by Evoke represents a significant strategic move that will strengthen the company’s position in the Romanian market and drive sustainable growth in the years to come. By combining the strengths of 888.ro and Winner.ro, Evoke aims to create a more robust and competitive business that can capture a larger share of the market and deliver exceptional experiences to Romanian customers. With a clear focus on strengthening its brand presence, enhancing customer experience, expanding its product portfolio, investing in technology and innovation, and driving sustainable growth, Evoke is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth potential of the Romanian online gambling market and create long-term value for its stakeholders.