The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into the proposed SEK19.6bn (£1.71bn/€1.91bn/$2.26bn) deal in September, delaying Evolution’s deadline for NetEnt shareholders to accept its SEK79.93 per share offer from 30 October to 20 November.
The CMA has now approved the deal after assessing its potential impact on competition in the British igaming market. The full ruling explaining the decision is yet to be published.
In late September, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority also gave its approval, clearing the way for the deal to proceed. The acceptance period for NetEnt shareholders to accept the bid ends on 20 November, and Evolution’s board has already unanimously backed the offer.
Evolution hopes that the offer will be declared unconditional by 23 November, allowing settlement to begin from 1 December. However, the company reserves the right to extend the acceptance period and postpone the settlement date.
