An Post welcomes the sale of Premier Lotteries Ireland to FDJ
An Post has welcomed the sale of Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), the operator of Ireland’s National Lottery, to France-based international lottery operator Française des Jeux (FDJ).
The Irish Government granted An Post the licence to establish and operate Ireland’s National Lottery in 1986.
In 2014 Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) successfully bid for the 80% majority shareholding in the licence to operate the National Lottery (PLI) and An Post maintained a minority stake in PLI. Now the Canadian pension fund, An Post and the Irish postal workers’ own retirement scheme are all selling their shares to FDJ.
The sale of PLI to FDJ is for 100% of the share capital, and is subject to regulatory approvals. Following completion of the sale, An Post will retain no financial interest in the National Lottery.
In a statement issued on Thursday (27 July), An Post CEO and National Lottery Director, David McRedmond, said: “The continuity of An Post’s governance, brand and retail expertise has been key to the strong growth of the National Lottery in its contribution to Good Causes throughout the State. It’s a positive outcome for Ireland and for the National Lottery that FDJ, a long-established operator of the French lottery has been successful in its bid. FDJ’s industry expertise will be hugely beneficial to the future operation, and strengthens Ireland’s ties to its nearest EU neighbour. On behalf of An Post I would like to thank all the fine employees of PLI, its management and board, for their good work; and to thank our partners OTPP for their good stewardship. We wish FDJ every success with this important business.”
An Post CFO and National Lottery Director, Peter Quinn, added: “This is a very good business for An Post and reflects well on the success of managing the investment in the National Lottery. We look forward to working closely with FDJ on future strategy to service customers and to ensure maximum contributions to Good Causes now and for generations to come.”
