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Teachers’ to acquire UK National Lottery operator Camelot Group plc
TORONTO (March 25, 2010): The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (Teachers’), the largest single-profession pension plan in Canada, announces that it has agreed to acquire Camelot Group plc, which has an exclusive licence to operate the UK National Lottery, for an estimated consideration of £389 million. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. Teachers’ will acquire the shares from Camelot’s five shareholders: Cadbury Holdings Ltd., De La Rue Holdings plc, Fujitsu Services Ltd., Royal Mail Enterprises Ltd. and Thales Electronics plc. Completion of the transaction is conditional upon approval from Camelot’s regulator, the National Lottery Commission. Wayne Kozun, Teachers’ Senior Vice President, Public Equities, said: “As a pioneer in direct investing, and with an excellent global investment track record, we look forward to partnering with management to realize the full potential of the Camelot business over the remaining licence term and into the future.” Mr. Kozun added that, as a pension plan, the fund has a long term time horizon, as it can be 70 years or more from the time a teacher‘s career begins until the last survivor pension payment is made. “We’re known as a patient investor,” he said. The acquisition is made on Teachers’ behalf by its Long-Term Equities division, which is focused on direct investments that have steady cash flow and growth potential over a long-term horizon. “We believe that Camelot is a world leading lottery operator and we are delighted to be involved with such a company which presents a unique, long term opportunity to earn attractive risk-adjusted returns,” said Lee Sienna, Vice President Long Term Equities. “As a significant shareholder or sole owner, Teachers’ Long Term Equities division works actively with the board and management of portfolio companies to develop strategies and policies that build businesses and create long-term value. Camelot is an excellent example of a first class business with long term potential and we look forward to making further investments to grow the company.“ Dianne Thompson, Chief Executive of Camelot Group plc, said: “We welcome Teachers’ commitment to The National Lottery’s ongoing success, and look forward to the opportunity of working with them to continue our progress in developing the business and delivering even more money for the Good Causes.” Teachers’ already has a successful history of direct investments in UK companies, including Acorn Care and Education, Bristol International Airport, Birmingham Airport, Scotia Gas Networks, InterGen and Thomas More Square Estate, as well as substantial shareholdings in a variety of publicly listed companies. It has offices in Toronto, London and New York. A list of other major investments around the world, including North and South America, Asia and Europe is available at www.otpp.com. About Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan About Camelot Contact:
Dudley White, Edelman PR Ben Burton, Edelman PR Deborah Allan | |||||||
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