Nearly 14 months after Brightstar Capital Partners announced its intent to take PlayAGS private, days after Nevada regulators approved the deal, and on the last day of Q2 2025, the investment firm announced Monday the completion of the deal.
The $1.1 billion deal sees AGS shareholders receiving $12.50 per share in cash, a 41% premium to the company’s closing price on May 8, 2024, the day before the deal was originally announced.
“We’re excited to join forces with Brightstar, a partnership that marks both a pivotal moment and a transformative new chapter in AGS’ growth story,” said David Lopez, CEO & President of AGS. “With Brightstar as a strategic partner, we believe AGS is in an ideal position to accelerate growth and double-down on delivering focused, high-impact innovation across slots, table products, and online gaming. This partnership sharpens our ability to serve casino operators with differentiated content and solutions built to give them a winning edge.”
Andrew Weinberg, Founder, CEO & Co-Chair of Brightstar, said, “We are thrilled to officially welcome David and the AGS team to Brightstar. We believe that AGS’ full-spectrum product offering and customer-centric culture set it apart in a growing industry. Our goal is to help the Company expand into new markets and continue to use technology to create exciting games and products.”
Over the past three years, the AGS has more than doubled its global slot unit sales to over 6,100 units, grown online real-money gaming content revenue by over 150%, and increased table products revenue by more than 50%.
“This is a compelling transaction,” said Commissioner Brian Krolicki in a meeting last week. “I’m excited to see another face here bringing in investment capital and creating opportunities and preserving existing opportunities. I see the value you’re bringing here.”
Macquarie Capital served as financial advisor and Cooley LLP served as legal counsel to AGS. Jefferies LLC served as lead financial advisor to Brightstar. Barclays and Citizens JMP Securities also served as financial advisors to Brightstar. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck served as legal counsel to Brightstar.
