Ainhoa

How to play Ainhoa

If successful, Merkur intends to pursue a squeeze-out process, compelling minority shareholders to sell their shares, and subsequently delist SFC from Euronext Paris. 

These steps remain subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and the French Interior Ministry, which oversees ownership changes in gaming operators under Article L. 323‑3 of the French Code de la sécurité intérieure.

The definitive share transfer agreement is expected to be signed following the completion of mandatory employee information and consultation procedures at Casigrangi and at the Casino de Gruissan’s social and economic committee. 

How to play Ainhoa

Meanwhile Blackstone, Cirsa’s largest shareholder, is expected to become the largest shareholder of the combined company, maintaining around 24% of the share capital.

The deal is expected to provide around €115 million of pre-tax cash synergies per year from opex and interest cost savings. These synergies are expected to be realised by the third full year following completion.

Angelozzi is set to serve as the combined company’s chairman and CEO, while Lottomatica’s deputy CEO and CFO Laurence Van Lancker will assume the same role.

How to play Ainhoa

Touch Sokhak, deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, emphasised that the operation seeks to prevent Cambodia from becoming “a safe haven or money-laundering base for technology-related criminals”.

However, the sustained enforcement drive has already taken a toll on the wider Cambodian economy. In May, the government lowered its 2026 GDP growth forecast as construction, real estate and consumer spending absorb the short-term impact of the crackdown.

Meanwhile, the CGMC has not disclosed when the integrity and quality framework will be finalised, leaving casino operators without concrete guidance on the new requirements.