Observed Signal · Jul 9, 2026 · M&A - Announced · Source: EQS News: Corporate Deals & M&A · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
ZEAL Network to Acquire UK Sweepstakes Operator SevenCanyon
German online lottery provider ZEAL Network SE has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire the remaining 96.5% stake in UK-based sweepstakes operator SevenCanyon Limited, entering Britain's digital competitions market. SevenCanyon operates platforms including 7days Performance, Redline Competitions, and UK Carp Competitions and generated EBITDA of more than GBP 10 million in fiscal year 2026. The cash purchase price is approximately GBP 33.8 million, plus an earn-out of up to GBP 4.8 million payable over six months after closing. Financing is supported by a EUR 40 million bullet loan arranged by Deutsche Bank with a seven-year term. ZEAL, Germany's market leader for online lotteries with about 1.5 million active customers, expects a positive EBITDA contribution in the high single-digit millions for the first full year after closing and confirms its group EBITDA guidance of EUR 70–75 million.
Cross-border acquisition giving ZEAL, Germany's leading online lottery platform, immediate entry into the UK digital sweepstakes market; relevant to the consumer gaming/media sector but with limited direct impact on the AdTech platform landscape.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- ZEAL Network SE signed a share purchase agreement to acquire the remaining 96.5% of SevenCanyon Limited for approximately GBP 33.8 million in cash.
- SevenCanyon operates the UK sweepstakes platforms 7days Performance, Redline Competitions, and UK Carp Competitions.
- SevenCanyon reported EBITDA of more than GBP 10 million in fiscal year 2026 (April 2025 – March 2026).
- The acquisition is financed by a EUR 40 million bullet loan arranged by Deutsche Bank with a seven-year term.
- ZEAL expects a positive EBITDA contribution in the high single-digit millions for the first full year after closing.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“The acquisition financing is supported by a bullet loan of EUR 40 million arranged by Deutsche Bank with a seven-year term....”
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