Scientific Games in $1.5 Billion Acquisition of WMS

Cleary Gottlieb is representing Scientific Games, a supplier of lottery systems and instant tickets, in connection with SG’s acquisition of WMS Industries, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of reel-spinning and video gaming devices, for $1.5 billion in cash. The deal was announced on January 31.

The transaction is the largest deal in leisure and recreational products in almost two years, creating a global supplier of lottery equipment and slot machines. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of this year and produce annual savings of about $90 million.