OPAP owner looking to fund growth in Europe

Czech-based lottery and gaming operator Sazka Group said it is looking at an initial public offering in London to help fund growth in Europe.

The group, owned by Czech investors Karel Komarek's KKCG group and Jiri Smejc's EMMA Capital, has become one of Europe's biggest betting operators after acquisitions in recent years.

It has a 72 percent stake in a fund that has a controlling 33 percent stake in Greek betting firm OPAP, acquired in Greece's first major privatization in 2013 under an international bailout deal.

As well as the Czech Republic and Greece, the group operates in Austria, Cyprus and Italy, and announced it aims to enter new markets in Europe.

[Reuters]