Merge Up

About Merge Up

It said all interviewees had cooperated fully and some of them had “virtually little or no familiarity with the allegations contained in the report, as their job responsibilities fall outside the scope of these matters”.

Kugler told Spectrum “it was never his intention to provide incriminating information”. He said he had felt duped by Black Cube, and noted the person he had met with had disappeared after the report was released. He believed they had used a fake identity.

“Kugler’s position is that Evolution does not supply games to Iran. He stated that “I know we have players in Dubai”, Spectrum notes, in response to Black Cube’s claims.

What is Merge Up?

Replacing Miller as treasurer is Ian Angus, director of policy at the UK Gambling Commission where, since 2020, he has been closely engaged in policy development. This includes the Gambling Act white paper and its recommendations on financial risk assessments.

His appointment signals a continuation of UK influence within GREF, even as the Gambling Commission undergoes personnel changes. Ruth Evans was named the new Gambling Commission chair, taking over from Charles Counsell after over a year in the position.

In addition, Olivia Petit has been appointed as board secretary of GREF. Petit is an associate professor at KEDGE Business School, where her research specialises in consumer behaviour in digital environments and emerging technologies.

How to play Merge Up

The combined company will be listed on stock exchanges in both Spain and Italy, which Cirsa and Lottomatica are already market leaders in.Italy accounted for 57% of a combined group pro format adjusted EBITDA in H1. Spain made up 23% of that figure, with Rest of World at 20%.

Once the deal is completed, 80% of its EBITDA is expected to come from those two markets.

According to the deal investor deck, the combined group expects online betting and gaming to be its largest vertical, as it accounted for 48% of the group’s combined pro forma adjusted EBITDA in H1.