Poll results: GVC will have biggest impact on M&A
Respondents to this week's poll say GVC will play a key role as the industry enters the next phase of consolidation
GVC will have the biggest impact on industry consolidation, according to respondents to this week’s eGaming Review poll.
Last week GVC chief exec Kenneth Alexander said he would “rule nothing out” on the M&A front with the firm having recently been linked to moves for Stan James and bwin.party.
And 39% of respondents took this to mean there was a big deal coming saying they expected GVC would have the biggest impact on M&A in the coming months
However, more than a quarter (26%) said 888 would also play a significant role in market consolidation after COO Itai Frieberger last week told eGR the firm had a “big list” of potential acquisition targets.
Frieberger said product was one area the operator was particularly interested in, and hinted the firm could acquire its own sportsbook platform.
Multi-brand operator Betsson has a history of growth through M&A, most recently purchasing Netherlands-facing brands Oranje and Kroon Casino in 2014, and 21% of voters believe the operator will be again be getting its cheque book out in the coming months.
Unitbet has also made its M&A intentions know, and told eGR back in Q1 that it would take an active role in any industry consolidation, but just 14% of respondents felt it would be making a big impact this year.