MIAMI (August 5, 2014) – International law firm Greenberg Traurig represented client Amaya Gaming Group Inc. (TSX:AYA) as lead M&A counsel in the negotiation of a merger agreement with Oldford Group Limited, the privately held parent company of Rational Group, the world’s largest online poker business and owner and operator of the PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker brands. The $4.9 billion transaction, which closed Aug. 1, created the world’s largest publicly traded online gaming company. PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, which combined are the world’s most popular and profitable online poker brands, have more than 85 million registered players on desktop and mobile devices.
In connection with the acquisition, Greenberg Traurig also advised Amaya with respect to senior secured credit facilities in the aggregate amount of approximately $2.92 billion, and consisting of the following: a $1.75 billion seven-year first lien term loan, and a €200 million seven-year first lien term loan; a $100 million five-year first lien revolving credit facility; and an $800 million eight-year second lien term loan.
“We are thrilled for our client and pleased to have been part of this historic deal, which will have a transformative impact on the gaming industry,” said Lorne Cantor, a Miami Corporate & Securities shareholder. “This transaction demonstrates Greenberg Traurig’s ability to leverage its global platform and provide the client with the best team available to meet its needs.”
The Greenberg Traurig team was led by Gary M. Epstein (Miami) and Lorne S. Cantor (Miami), with Yosbel A. Ibarra (Miami), Gary Cooper (London) and Drew M. Altman (Miami) on the acquisition and Cindy J.K. Davis (Atlanta) on the financing.
The team also included Jacqueline Becerra (Miami), Rob Collier-Wright (London), Peter Cunha (Miami), Jeroen den Dunnen (Amsterdam), Evan Georgopoulos (Boston), Jorge Gómez-Möller (Miami), Justin Hamer (London), Benjamin Hedrick (Miami), Dilek Kaya (Amsterdam), Russell D. Lamb (London), Brett E. Moskowitz (Atlanta), Lisa Navarro (London), John A. Pappalardo (Boston), Chantal Phillips (London), Daniel I. Schloss (New York), Joey T. Shabot (Tel Aviv), Eva M. Spahn (Miami), Alan N. Sutin (New York), Nicoleta Timofti (Washington, D.C.), Wynne Turner (London), Thomas van der Vliet (Amsterdam), and Paul Westhoff (Amsterdam).
Greenberg Traurig worked closely with Amaya’s Canadian counsel, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, led by Eric M. Levy, Antonella Penta and Manon Thivierge.