Playtech has announced the launch of a share buyback program worth up to £43.7 million (€50 million). This program will run through March 2026. The initiative is designed to support the company’s employee share schemes. It will ensure that the number of voting rights remains unchanged.
Strategy for Employee Benefit Funding
The primary goal of the program is to allocate all purchased ordinary shares to the company’s Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) at nil consideration. In doing so, Playtech intends to fund future awards under its employee share schemes. This will be particularly relevant as those awards vest and are exercised.
As a result, the total number of shares in issue is expected to remain unchanged. The total number of voting rights is also expected to remain unchanged despite the repurchases.
Brokers and Operational Structure
To execute the buyback, Playtech has entered into irrevocable agreements with joint brokers Goodbody Stockbrokers UC and Jefferies International Limited. Under the arrangement, the program will operate on a non-discretionary basis, meaning the brokers will act independently within predefined parameters.
Each broker will handle approximately half of the total program, with Goodbody executing the first tranche valued at £21.8 million. Meanwhile, Jefferies will manage the remaining portion.
The buybacks will take place on the London Stock Exchange and other eligible trading venues. Moreover, Playtech confirmed that the program will fully comply with the Market Abuse Regulation. It will also adhere to UK Listing Rules and all other applicable legal frameworks.
Authority and Shareholder Approval
The buyback is being conducted under the general authority to repurchase up to 30,929,424 shares. Shareholders approved this at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 21 May 2025. This authority will remain valid until the close of the next AGM in 2026, unless renewed or revoked earlier.
Therefore, Playtech’s latest program underscores its continued commitment to employee incentives and shareholder value. Additionally, it reinforces transparency through strict adherence to regulatory standards.
