Sazka Group to acquire full ownership in OPAP for €2.1bn.

Czech-based popular bidding firm Sazka Group launched a €2.1bn bid to acquire full ownership in OPAP, Greece's leading betting firm. Greece sold a 33% stake in OPAP to Emma Delta, currently owned by Sazka Group and Georgios Melissanidis, in 2013 as part of a European Union-prescribed international bailout. Sazka Group now seeks to acquire all shares it does not own in OPAP for €9.12 a share. “We are confident that thanks to our ongoing support and active engagement in the business we have helped to deliver significant value to all the shareholders of OPAP. Since May 1,2013, the day of the announcement of the privatisation of OPAP, OPAP shareholders have enjoyed a total shareholder return of over 130% including over €1.4bn of aggregate dividends paid. We are now seeking to increase our shareholding in OPAP and want to give existing shareholders an opportunity to realise value accumulated over the years,” Karel Komárek, Sazka chairman.