WilliamHill is taking control over their online business and buying out Playtech from their remaining deal.
Some affiliates might be happy to hear about WilliamHill buying out Playtech for £424m. This of course represents a lot of money for Playtech as the 2 companies haven't had the best relationship working together but it appeared to be profitable none the less. WilliamHill's online reputation took a beating when their
head of marketing left the job in October 2011 with support staff not available. Surely this cost WilliamHill a bit of loyalty with their players as many of them were left high and dry from customer support being unavailable.
The fallout from the marketing and support walk off has left WilliamHill trying to cleanup this PR disaster and show their online players and marketing partners that business was running as usual.
It is unknown if the affiliate program for
WHO brands will still remain with
Affiliates United. Many affiliates have complained on forums about lack of payments, lack of communication and problematic reporting.
What he said:
Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech:
"William Hill Online has been an overwhelming success and has delivered a cash return to Playtech greater than 3.5 times its original investment, excluding software royalties in the four years since inception."
Ralph Topping, CEO of WilliamHill:
"Having been advised of the valuation of Playtech's 29% interest, the Board has concluded that it is in the best interests of our shareholders to exercise our call option to assume full ownership of this attractive, high growth, high performing business."
