Entain Sells 20% of Entain CEE to EMMA Capital

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Entain Sells 20 Percent Stake in Entain CEE to EMMA Capital – Proceeds to Reduce Debt and Shift Control

Key Takeaways

Entain has agreed to sell a 20 percent stake in Entain CEE to EMMA Capital for total proceeds of 425 million euros.
The company will receive 395 million euros at closing, with an additional payment due in early 2027 based on FY26 performance.
After completion, Entain’s ownership in Entain CEE will fall from 67.5 percent to 47.5 percent, while EMMA Capital will increase its stake to 42.5 percent and gain majority control through assigned voting rights.
Entain expects the transaction to reduce annual interest costs by around 20 million pounds and lower reported leverage over time.
Following the deal, Entain CEE will no longer be fully consolidated in group accounts, affecting margin guidance for FY26.

Entain Begins Exit From Central and Eastern Europe

Entain has initiated its planned withdrawal from Central and Eastern Europe with the sale of a 20 percent stake in Entain CEE to investment firm EMMA Capital. The transaction is valued at 425 million euros, equivalent to 366 million pounds.

The company will receive 395 million euros when the transaction closes. A further payment is scheduled for early 2027 and will depend on Entain CEE’s performance in the 2026 financial year. Entain stated that total proceeds from the sale will reach 425 million euros.

Chief executive Stella David described the divestment as the first step towards a full exit from the joint venture. According to the company, the move reflects its strategy of simplifying its brand portfolio, reducing leverage, and focusing on core regulated markets.

Ownership Structure Shifts to EMMA Capital

Once the transaction is completed, Entain’s stake in Entain CEE will decrease from 67.5 percent to 47.5 percent. EMMA Capital will increase its holding from 22.5 percent to 42.5 percent.

The Juroszek family will retain its 10 percent shareholding. However, it will assign its voting rights to EMMA Capital. As a result, EMMA Capital will obtain majority control of the joint venture.

Entain CEE was established in 2022 and includes the SuperSport brand in Croatia and STS in Poland. According to Entain, both brands hold number one positions in their respective markets.

For the 2025 financial year, Entain CEE generated net gaming revenue of 522 million pounds, representing a 7 percent year on year increase. EBITDA reached 184 million pounds, also up 7 percent compared to the previous year.

Impact on Financial Reporting and Margins

Following the sale, Entain CEE will no longer be fully consolidated in Entain’s group accounts. This accounting change has a direct impact on the company’s margin guidance.

Entain now expects its FY26 online EBITDA margin to be between 21 percent and 22 percent. This compares to earlier guidance of 23 percent to 24 percent when Entain CEE was included in the group figures.

The company maintained its forecast for FY26 online net gaming revenue growth at between 5 percent and 7 percent. Additional details are expected to be provided with the publication of interim results on 13 August 2026.

According to Entain, the sale is broadly neutral to earnings per share and adjusted cashflow. The company also stated that proceeds from a later full exit from Entain CEE should help bring reported leverage below three times. Any surplus capital following that process would be returned to shareholders.

Debt Reduction and Interest Cost Savings

Entain plans to use the net proceeds from the transaction to reduce debt. The company estimates that this will lower annual interest costs by around 20 million pounds.

Debt reduction has been a stated priority for the group over the past year. Alongside portfolio simplification, the company has focused on lowering leverage and strengthening its balance sheet.

Entain’s shares remain down around 24 percent year to date, despite a partial recovery over the past month. The company has not linked the share price movement directly to the transaction but has emphasized its intention to improve financial metrics and cash generation.

Relevance for International iGaming Markets

The transaction changes the ownership and control structure of two major brands in Central and Eastern Europe: SuperSport in Croatia and STS in Poland. Both brands operate in regulated markets and have reported revenue and EBITDA growth for FY25.

For users and industry observers, the shift means that EMMA Capital will assume majority control of Entain CEE, while Entain reduces its exposure to the region. Entain will continue to hold a 47.5 percent stake after completion, but without majority control.

The removal of Entain CEE from full consolidation also alters how the group’s performance will be reflected in future financial statements. This affects reported margins and may influence how investors assess the company’s online profitability.

Our Assessment

The sale of a 20 percent stake in Entain CEE for 425 million euros marks the first formal step in Entain’s planned exit from Central and Eastern Europe. The transaction reduces Entain’s ownership to 47.5 percent and transfers majority control to EMMA Capital through an increased stake and assigned voting rights. Proceeds will be used to reduce debt, with expected annual interest savings of about 20 million pounds. The deal also changes Entain’s financial reporting structure and lowers its FY26 online EBITDA margin guidance due to the deconsolidation of Entain CEE.