Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises La Française des Jeux on acquisition of Premier Lotteries Ireland

International law firm Clifford Chance has advised La Française des Jeux (FDJ) on its agreement to acquire Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), which holds exclusive rights to operate the Irish National Lottery until 2034. FDJ will acquire the entire share capital of PLI for an enterprise value of €350 million.

Completion is subject to customary approvals, including approval by the regulator of the Irish National Lottery, and is expected to take place in the second half of 2023.

Partner Katherine Moir led on the deal and was supported by senior associates Dan Bomsztyk and Catherine Freeman, and associate Tom Masters. Partner Nicola Hemsley and senior associate Eli Bursky advised on the tax aspects of the transaction. A&L Goodbody advised on certain Irish law aspects of the transaction.

The acquisition represents the FDJ Group's first venture as lottery operator outside France.