PRTY3 Mar 2011 07:08
Commenting on today's results announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, said:
"During 2010 the Group delivered on a number of its strategic objectives, the most significant of which was the announcement of our transformational merger with bwin, the world's largest listed online sports betting business. We also completed the integration of both Cashcade and WPT whilst our French network has captured around 14% of the newly regulated French poker market[1]. In the US we believe there is growing political and commercial will to regulate online gaming and that we are well-positioned to exploit our strong franchise in that market should regulations allow.
"As our merger with bwin is set to complete on 31 March 2011, we are finalising our plans to integrate both businesses as quickly as possible and remain confident about delivering the cost and revenue synergies we have already identified in line with the previously announced timetable, with the full €55 million per annum being delivered by 2013. We plan to provide a further update on our progress at the time of the half year results in August 2011."
Regarding current trading he added:
"The Group has continued to perform in-line with the Board's expectations. In the two-month period ended 28 February 2011, average gross daily revenue was €1,431,800 (Q410: €1,425,400). New poker player sign-ups increased to an average of 1,905 per day (Q410: 1,853) and there were on average 52,400 active poker players per day (Q410: 50,400). Average gross daily revenue for poker was €452,600 (Q410: €440,200), for casino was €557,100 (Q410: €577,200), for bingo was €339,100 (Q410: €337,200) and for sports betting was €83,000 (Q410: €70,800)."