The Gold Coast Bulletin

Big profit, Big Fish for Aristocrat

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STRONG growth in the Americas has helped boost Aristocrat Leisure’s annual profit, and the company will expand its digital gaming operations with the acquisitio­n of Seattle-based social gaming company Big Fish Games for $US990 million ($A1.4 billion).

Aristocrat’s net profit for the year to September 30 has jumped 41.3 per cent to $495.1 million on the back of a strong performanc­e across its global operations, especially in the Americas market, and significan­t growth in the digital business.

The poker machine supplier said it anticipate­s continued growth in fiscal 2018. Chief executive Trevor Croker says Aristocrat has delivered highqualit­y results over the year despite mostly flat markets and increasing competitio­n. “Industry-leading content, hardware and technology, coupled with effective execution focused on our highest-value opportunit­ies, once again underpinne­d our performanc­e,” Mr Croker said in a statement yesterday.

“Going forward, Aristocrat will continue to target highqualit­y growth, with the benefit of our establishe­d performanc­e momentum, broadening capabiliti­es, strong balance sheet and growing recurring revenue base.” Aristocrat said the acquisitio­n of Big Fish Games would make Aristocrat’s digital business the second biggest provider of social casino games by revenue globally.

Big Fish is a global publisher of free-to-play games that focus on specific segments, including social casino, social gaming and premium paid games. Its social gaming titles include Gummy Drop! and Fairway Solitaire.

Big Fish will operate as a stand-alone business alongside Aristocrat’s other social gaming operations.

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