The share of Gtech rises in Piazza Affari, gaining about three percentage points at the beginning of the afternoon, to 16,2 euros. Investors reward the first go-ahead for the merger with the US IGT, approved by the US Antitrust.
"The antitrust authorities of the United States - reads a note from the group - have granted the early termination of the suspension period provided for by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 relating to the pending acquisition process of Igt -International Game Technology , by Gtech, thus satisfying one of the conditions required to conclude the transaction".
The two companies have entered into a merger agreement following which Gtech will acquire IGT in a transaction valued at $6,4 billion, including $4,7 in cash and stock and $1,7 in net debt of Igt.
Under the terms of the agreement, Gtech and Igt will merge into a newly established holding company incorporated under English law (NewCo). The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in the first or second quarter of 2015.
"The closing of the transaction - concludes the note - is subject to the prior release of the necessary authorizations by the regulatory bodies and competent supervisory authorities of the gaming sector, to the approval of the shareholders of Igt and Gtech and to other typical conditions for this kind of operations".
