Prizedraw operator Winvia Entertainment, majority-owned by billionaire Teddy Sagi, has announced plans to float on London’s AIM market, signalling a notable development amid the City's recent stock market revival. The company aims to raise approximately £40 million through an initial public offering (IPO), which could value Winvia at around £200 million. This move positions Winvia as a significant player seeking to capitalise on growth opportunities within the UK prize draw sector.

Winvia is currently the UK's second-largest prize draw operator by market share, running competitions that give participants the chance to win high-value prizes such as houses, cars, and holidays. The company operates several well-known competition websites, including BOTB.com (Best of the Best), and aims to challenge the market leader Omaze. Winvia’s chief executive, Mihai Manoila, has expressed that the IPO will enable the company to accelerate its growth strategy, particularly focusing on expanding its UK prize draw business, where it sees strong potential for development and increased market penetration.

The flotation plans come as part of Teddy Sagi’s broader portfolio activities within the gaming and tech industries. Sagi, an Israeli billionaire and founder of Playtech, has been actively reshaping his stakes through various transactions and ventures. For instance, Playtech recently announced a deal to acquire Sagi’s options brokerage TradeFX for up to €458 million (£333 million), a move enabling Playtech to enter the contracts for difference trading market. This deal is expected to boost Sagi’s wealth by nearly £300 million. Concurrently, Playtech has declared a £100 million shareholder windfall linked to a robust financial year, with Sagi set to receive a £76 million dividend. These activities underscore Sagi’s strategic manoeuvring within financial and gaming sectors, leveraging his stakes in multiple ventures to capitalise on market opportunities.

The Winvia IPO, if successful, would further diversify Sagi’s investments and strengthen his presence in the online gaming and prize draw industry. Analysts view the flotation as a timely step, given the growing consumer interest in prize draws and competitions, which combine entertainment with the allure of substantial rewards. The funds raised through the IPO are expected not only to catalyse organic growth but also to support potential acquisitions, aiming to enhance Winvia’s competitive edge against Omaze and other market players.

Winvia’s listing on AIM also reflects the broader trend of dynamic activity in London's junior stock market, where innovative and growth-oriented companies are increasingly accessing public capital to fund expansion. This vibrant environment is attracting investors interested in emerging sectors like digital gaming and betting, which have demonstrated resilience and appeal in recent years.

In summary, Winvia Entertainment’s planned IPO highlights Teddy Sagi’s continuing influence in the UK’s gaming and online competition landscape and adds a new chapter to the City’s evolving market picture. The company’s ambitions to leverage new capital for growth and market consolidation underscore a confident outlook amid a competitive and vibrant sector.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services