Kirkland Partners Managing Acquisition of Aristocrat Leisure’s Acquisition of Awager Ltd

aristocrat Leisure to Acquire Live Slot Streaming Tech Provider Awager Ltd.

Sydney, australia – October 15, 2025 – Aristocrat Leisure Limited has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Awager Ltd., a leading technology firm specializing in live slot streaming. The transaction, subject to standard closing conditions, expands aristocrat’s digital entertainment offerings.

Deal Details and Advisor Involvement

Awager Ltd., backed by Oaktree, provides cutting-edge technology that enhances the live slot experience for players.Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to Awager and Oaktree throughout the acquisition process. This marks a continued relationship, as Kirkland & Ellis previously advised Oaktree on its initial acquisition of Awager in June 2023.

The legal team from Kirkland & Ellis included a dedicated group of specialists, with expertise spanning corporate law, taxation, technology and intellectual property, and executive compensation. Key individuals involved were Hamed Meshki, Michael Chung, Peter Liskanich, Adam Lefkowitz, Heather Anbar, Michael Beinus, Vivek Ratnam, Michael Paul Alcan, michael David Thurston, matthew Lovell, Joe Evans, Daniel Rios, and David van den Berg.

The Growing Market for Live Streaming Gaming

The live streaming gaming market has experienced ample growth in recent years. According to a report by Newzoo, the global games market generated $184.0 billion in revenue in 2023,with mobile gaming accounting for the largest share. Live streaming contributes significantly to this sector, providing interactive and engaging entertainment for a broad audience.

Did You Know? The popularity of live streaming games has been fueled by platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, which have become central hubs for gamers and viewers.

Key Player	role
Aristocrat Leisure Limited	Acquirer
Awager Ltd.	Target Company
Oaktree	Awager Ltd. Backer
Kirkland & Ellis	Legal Counsel to awager & Oaktree

This acquisition positions Aristocrat Leisure to capitalize on the increasing demand for immersive and interactive gaming experiences, further solidifying its place in the competitive digital entertainment landscape. The deal’s completion is anticipated to strengthen Aristocrat’s technology portfolio and extend its reach within the rapidly evolving online gaming sector.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on emerging technologies in the gaming space, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, as they are likely to shape the future of live streaming entertainment.

Understanding Mergers and Acquisitions in the Gaming Industry

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are a common occurrence in the gaming industry, driven by factors such as technological advancements, market consolidation, and the desire for increased market share.These transactions frequently enough involve notable financial investments and require careful legal navigation.

The role of legal counsel, like Kirkland & Ellis in this instance, is critical to ensuring a smooth and prosperous transaction. They provide guidance on regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, and risk management. A strong legal team can help mitigate potential challenges and maximize value for their clients.

Frequently Asked Questions about this acquisition

What is Awager ltd.’s primary business? Awager Ltd. is a provider of live slot streaming technology,offering innovative solutions for the gaming industry.

Who advised Awager Ltd. on this acquisition? Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to Awager Ltd.and its backer, Oaktree, throughout the acquisition process.

What is the significance of this deal for Aristocrat Leisure? This acquisition allows Aristocrat Leisure to expand its digital entertainment offerings and capitalize on the growing live streaming gaming market.

When did Kirkland & Ellis previously advise Oaktree regarding Awager? Kirkland & Ellis previously advised Oaktree on its initial acquisition of Awager in June 2023.

What is driving growth in the live streaming gaming market? The growing popularity of platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, along with advancements in technology, are driving growth in the live streaming gaming market.

What are your thoughts on the future of live streaming in the gaming industry? Do you think this acquisition will reshape the competitive landscape? Share your insights in the comments below!

What specific due diligence steps did Kirkland Partners undertake to evaluate Awager Ltd’s regulatory compliance?

Kirkland Partners Orchestrates Aristocrat Leisure’s Acquisition of Awager ltd

Deal Overview: A strategic Expansion for Aristocrat

Aristocrat Leisure Limited, a global leader in gaming and entertainment, recently completed the acquisition of Awager Ltd, a prominent online real money gaming (RMG) platform operating in regulated markets. Kirkland Partners played a pivotal role in managing this complex transaction, providing comprehensive advisory services throughout the entire process. This acquisition signifies Aristocrat’s continued expansion into the rapidly growing online RMG sector, particularly focusing on interactive games and digital platforms. The deal underscores a broader trend of consolidation within the gaming industry, driven by the pursuit of scale and technological innovation.

Kirkland Partners’ Role: Navigating a Complex Acquisition

Kirkland Partners acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Aristocrat Leisure, guiding them through all stages of the acquisition. Their responsibilities encompassed:

* Due Diligence: Conducting thorough financial, operational, and legal due diligence on Awager Ltd to assess its value and identify potential risks. This included scrutinizing Awager’s revenue streams, customer base, regulatory compliance, and technological infrastructure.

* Valuation Analysis: Developing a robust valuation model to determine a fair and justifiable purchase price for Awager Ltd. This involved analyzing comparable transactions, discounted cash flow projections, and market multiples.

* Negotiation Strategy: Leading the negotiation process with Awager Ltd’s shareholders to secure favorable terms for Aristocrat Leisure. This required a deep understanding of the RMG market and the specific dynamics of the deal.

* Deal Structuring: structuring the transaction to optimize tax efficiency and minimize potential liabilities for Aristocrat Leisure.

* Closing Support: Providing comprehensive support throughout the closing process, ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer of ownership.

Awager Ltd: A Key Asset in the Online RMG Landscape

Awager Ltd operates a complex online RMG platform offering a diverse range of games, including casino, poker, and sports betting. Key features that made Awager an attractive acquisition target include:

* Regulated Market Focus: Awager’s operations are concentrated in highly regulated markets, ensuring compliance with stringent licensing requirements and providing a stable operating environment.

* Technological Platform: The company possesses a cutting-edge technology platform capable of supporting a high volume of transactions and delivering a seamless user experience.

* Strong Customer Base: Awager has cultivated a loyal customer base through effective marketing and customer relationship management strategies.

* Growth Potential: The online RMG market is experiencing rapid growth, presenting significant opportunities for Awager to expand its reach and increase its revenue.

Synergies and Strategic Implications for Aristocrat Leisure

The acquisition of Awager Ltd offers several strategic benefits for Aristocrat Leisure:

* Expanded Digital Footprint: The deal significantly expands Aristocrat’s presence in the online RMG market, complementing its existing land-based gaming operations.

* Cross-Selling Opportunities: Aristocrat can leverage its existing customer base to cross-sell Awager’s online games and services, driving revenue growth.

* Technological Innovation: Awager’s technology platform can be integrated with Aristocrat’s existing systems to enhance its product offerings and improve operational efficiency.

* Geographic Expansion: The acquisition provides Aristocrat with access to new geographic markets and customer segments.

* Diversification of Revenue Streams: The addition of Awager’s online RMG revenue stream diversifies Aristocrat’s overall revenue base, reducing its reliance on traditional gaming markets.

Financial Details and Transaction Timeline

While specific financial details of the acquisition remain confidential,industry analysts estimate the transaction value to be in the range of[InsertEstimatedValue-[InsertEstimatedValue-research needed for accurate figure]. The deal was announced on[InsertAnnouncementDate-[InsertAnnouncementDate-research needed for accurate date]and completed on[InsertCompletionDate-[InsertCompletionDate-research needed for accurate date], following customary regulatory approvals.Kirkland Partners’ efficient management of the transaction ensured a timely and accomplished closing.

The Broader Trend of M&A in the Gaming Industry

The Aristocrat-Awager deal is part of a larger trend of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity within the gaming industry. several factors are driving this trend:

* Digital transformation: The shift towards online gaming and digital entertainment is forcing companies to invest in new technologies and capabilities.

* Consolidation: Companies are seeking to consolidate their market positions and achieve economies of scale.

* Regulatory Changes: Changes in gaming regulations are creating new opportunities and challenges for companies.

* Investor Demand: Investors are increasingly interested in the gaming industry, driving up valuations and fueling M&A activity.

Key Players