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ÖBAG and SAZKA Group: Joint management of CASAG AG

Press release

The two largest shareholders of Casinos Austria AG (CASAG) will cooperate even more closely in the future to ensure the positive development of their stake in Casinos Austria AG. This was announced on March 6 by Österreichische Beteiligungs AG (ÖBAG) and the SAZKA Group (SAZKA). With the conclusion of a shareholders' agreement, both partners agreed on future joint management and control of their CASAG stake.

ÖBAG board member Thomas Schmid: “With this agreement, ÖBAG and SAZKA have agreed on far-reaching cooperation at Casinos Austria AG. ÖBAG safeguards the interests of the casino locations and remains a strong core shareholder. Joint control ensures that in the future, the focus will no longer be on disputes between owners, but solely on the well-being and further growth of the company.”

SAZKA CEO Robert Chvátal: “The conclusion of this shareholders’ agreement ensures that both the SAZKA Group and ÖBAG will work together in partnership to increase the value of Casinos Austria AG and Austrian Lotteries. We see this collaboration as a long-term partnership and want to contribute our expertise in the lottery and gaming sector to further strengthen Casinos Austria AG and Austrian Lotteries. As one of the largest lottery groups in Europe, the SAZKA Group is a strategic owner that is prepared to contribute best practices and experience from various European markets for the benefit of CASAG.”

Extensive cooperation

With this step, ÖBAG clears the way for the SAZKA Group to acquire Novomatic's shares and waives its pro rata pre-emption rights exceeding 7%. ÖBAG will thus continue to hold 33,2% of Casinos Austria AG. The SAZKA Group currently holds 38,3% and can increase its stake. The shareholders' agreement ensures close cooperation between the two main shareholders of Casinos Austria AG in the future. Extensive cooperation terms have been agreed upon, including the strengthening of ÖBAG's minority rights.

The syndicate agreement between ÖBAG and SAZKA Group was signed in Vienna on March 6th. A press conference followed.