Playtech’s (PTEC) chief executive Mor Weizer and the chief executive of subsidiary Snaitech, Fabio Schiavolin, added to their personal stakes in the gambling technology company on the same day that it announced that it had received the green light from authorities to offer its casino product to the New Jersey market.
Playtech, which provides software for gambling companies, will soon launch in the state with bet365 and the Hard Rock Atlantic City casino. It aims to support other New Jersey operators and is also seeking regulatory clearance in other US states.
“The US is a highly strategic market for Playtech and we see significant demand for the full breadth of our product offering,” said Mr Weizer. “This is the first step for Playtech in the US and we are very excited about the long-term opportunity." Playtech's shares closed over 5 per cent up after the announcement.
The chief executive acquired £52,820 in Playtech shares on 1 June. Snaitech chief, Fabio Schiavolin, meanwhile, bought £143,5000 worth of shares. Playtech acquired a 70 per cent stake in Italian betting outfit Snaitech in 2018 for €864m (£769.5m).
Mr Weizer’s purchase may go some way towards allaying the concerns of Playtech shareholders who voted down its remuneration report in a symbolic vote at its annual general meeting last month. Playtech declined to comment on the dealings.
Peel Hunt forecasts full-year 2020 adjusted pre-tax profits of €61.8m and earnings per share of 16.5¢, rising to €131.3m and 34.7¢ in 2021.
Buys | ||||||
Company | Director/PDMR | Date | No. of shares | Price (p) | Aggregate value (£) | Comments |
Morgan Sindall | David Lowden | 27 May 20 | 4,000 | 1,244 | 49,754 | Purchased by PCA Michele Lowden |
PZ Cussons | Caroline Silver | 27 May 20 | 12,500 | 175.4 | 21,925 | |
AJ Bell | Mohamed Tagari | 27 May 20 | 5,229 | 380.4 | 19,891 | |
IWG | Mark Dixon (ceo) | 28 May 20 | 38,205,384 | 239 | 91,310,868 | |
Horizon Discovery | Ian Gilham | 28 May 20 | 25,000 | 101 | 25,250 | |
Horizon Discovery | Grahame Cook | 28 May 20 | 79,850 | 101 | 80,649 | |
ICG Longbow-Senior | Paul Meader | 29 May 20 | 38,000 | 73 | 27,740 | |
easyJet | Moya Greene | 29 May 20 | 7,032 | 710.99 | 49,997 | |
InterContinental Hotels | Arthur de Haast | 29 May 20 | 1,000 | 4,000 | 40,000 | |
Playtech | Mor Weizer (ceo) | 1 Jun 20 | 19,000 | 278 | 52,820 | |
Playtech | Fabio Schiavolin | 1 Jun 20 | 50,000 | 287 | 143,000 | |
Sells | ||||||
Company | Director/PDMR | Date | No. of shares | Price (p) | Aggregate value (£) | Comments |
Ten Entertainment | Graham Blackwell | 28 May 20 | 4,070 | 170 | 6,919 | |
Ten Entertainment | Graham Blackwell | 28 May 20 | 4,383 | 169 | 7,407 | |
Ten Entertainment | Graham Blackwell | 28 May 20 | 7,219 | 162.1 | 11,702 | |
Ten Entertainment | Graham Blackwell | 28 May 20 | 22,434 | 161 | 36,119 | |
Ten Entertainment | Graham Blackwell | 28 May 20 | 4,105 | 160.99 | 6,609 |