PointsBet Board Rejects Betr Takeover Offer, Prefers MIXI Deal
It does not appear that an Australian video gaming operator is going to end up in the hands of Betr.
- PointsBet tells investors it chooses to take an offer from Japanese digital and home entertainment business MIXI
- The Australian gaming company disagreed with Betr's synergies estimate and "less important" VIP consumer base
- Betr offered 3.81 per share, equal to 1 PointsBet share, however there are money certainty concerns
PointsBet's Board all rejected an unsolicited, conditional off-market all-scrip takeover deal from the U.S.-based fantasy and sports wagering operator due to cash certainty concerns and "unsightly" elements of Betr's service.
Instead, the Australian and Canadian sportsbook and online casino owner of BlueBet revealed it prefers an offer made by a Japanese digital and home entertainment company.
"The PointsBet Board has figured out, with the support of external consultants, that the Betr Proposal is materially inferior to the MIXI Takeover Offer," the business stated in a news release.
PointsBet didn't like Betr's characterization of worth and pointed to a significantly less financial deal when calculating volume-weighted typical prices over relevant trade prices.
PointsBet was likewise worried about a possible modification in the worth of the scrip offer, due to the low liquidity of Betr's shares. That could result in an absence of cash certainty if PointsBet investors chose to sell shares.
Business problems
Another significant sticking point for is the uncertainty of the outcome and timing of Ontario video gaming approvals, which MIXI has already finished.
PointsBet took exception to Betr's "less valuable and unpredictable VIP-heavy customer base."
PointsBet stated 50% of Betr's win is produced from 20 customers. The business detailed a number of "significant threats" from this company model, including long-term sustainability, regulative and compliance issues, and unforeseeable margins.
PointsBet also does not believe Betr's horse-racing model, which represents 85% of its net win, offers the business enough space for growth.
Better provide?
In a proposition made on July 16, Betr used 3.81 of its shares in exchange for each share of PointsBet, claiming a market price of AU$ 1.22 per share, based on Betr's rate of $0.32.
Betr likewise included $44.9 million in expected yearly cost synergies, which would only be offered if Betr assumes 100% of the business, to reach a potential PointsBet price of $1.89 per share. PointsBet doesn't see that as attainable.
"The worth of the cost synergies identified by Betr has been materially overstated, having regard to a variety of factors," PointsBet stated.
The Japanese company's subsidiary MIXI Australia made an all-cash deal that includes a $1.20 price per share and an evaluation of $402 million (US$ 206 million), a $49 million value growth over Betr's proposition. MIXI's deal likewise features a lower investor approval, needing 50.1% support.
What's next?
Betr, which runs a sportsbook in Ohio and Virginia, hasn't reacted to PointsBet's rejection, and it could provide a more pleasing counter-offer to the Australian company.
However, it might not have much time.
"The PointsBet Directors Unanimously suggest that PointsBet shareholders accept the MIXI Takeover Offer, in the lack of remarkable proposal," the company said.
PointsBet requires 50.1% of backing to complete the deal with MIXI. PointsBet said it will supply a more comprehensive target statement on why it's proposing to accept MIXI's offer at a later date.