Entain PLC: The Portfolio Optimization Starts

Research evidence excerpt

Entain PLC: The Portfolio Optimization Starts

Deutsche Bank

Research

European High Yield Company Date

26 June 2026 Consumer Services, Leisure Entain PLC

& Gaming

The Portfolio Optimization Starts

Ricardo Chinchilla

On June 25, 2026, Entain announced an agreement to divest a 20% stake in Research Analyst

+44-207-541-6172 Entain CEE to its joint venture partner, EMMA Capital, for an aggregate cash

consideration of €425 million (~£366 million). The consideration comprises €395

million (~£341 million) payable upon closing, alongside a deferred payment due

in early 2027. The transaction implies an enterprise value (EV) for Entain CEE of

€2.1 billion (~£1.90 billion), representing an EV/EBITDA multiple of ~10x.

Management anticipates completion in Q4’26, with net proceeds earmarked for

debt reduction—a move projected to generate ~£20 million in annualized interest

savings.

Entain continues to evaluate strategic alternatives to monetize its remaining

minority interest. Future proceeds from a full exit will be allocated in accordance

with the Group’s capital allocation framework, specifically to deleverage the

balance sheet below 3.0x and return excess capital to shareholders.

The joint venture, in which Entain holds a majority stake, was established in 2022.

Entain acquired 75% of SuperSport's economic rights from EMMA for a

consideration comprising €600 million in upfront cash and a deferred contingent

payment of €90 million. In 2023, the joint venture expanded through the

acquisition of Polish betting operator STS for ~£750 million. Entain CEE

generated £183.7 million in EBITDA for 2025, an increase from £170 million in

the prior period.

Following the 20% divestment, Entain CEE will no longer be fully consolidated

within Entain’s financial statements.