ZEAL Enters UK Prize Draw Market Through SevenCanyon Acquisition

United Kingdom / Germany.- 15 July 2026 www.zonadeazar.com ZEAL Network SE has agreed to acquire the remaining 96.5% stake in SevenCanyon Limited, marking its entry into the UK digital prize draw market. The transaction forms part of ZEAL’s strategy to diversify both geographically and across new product categories.

News Details

ZEAL already owned a 3.5% shareholding in SevenCanyon and will acquire the remaining equity for approximately £33.8 million, subject to post-completion adjustments. The agreement also includes an earn-out payment of up to £4.8 million linked to post-acquisition performance.

SevenCanyon operates established UK prize draw brands including 7days Performance, Redline Competitions and UK Carp Competitions, offering non-cash prizes such as houses, cars and lifestyle products. During its latest financial year, the company generated EBITDA of more than £10 million.

The acquisition will be financed through a €40 million, seven-year term loan arranged by Deutsche Bank. ZEAL expects SevenCanyon to make a meaningful contribution to revenue and EBITDA following consolidation while maintaining its 2026 EBITDA guidance of €70-75 million.

Industry Context

The UK represents Europe’s largest digital prize draw market. The sector has attracted growing investment as it operates under a regulatory framework distinct from traditional lotteries and continues moving towards more formal compliance standards, favouring experienced regulated operators.

The acquisition also supports ZEAL’s long-term strategy of expanding beyond its German online lottery brokerage business through selective acquisitions and complementary gaming products.

Statements

Dr Stefan Tweraser, Chief Executive Officer of ZEAL Network, said:

“SevenCanyon is one of the UK’s most successful prize draw operators and we have known the business for years. This acquisition allows us to enter a highly attractive and growing market immediately while accelerating our strategy of selectively diversifying our business model through new products and markets.”

Andrea Behrendt, Chief Financial Officer of ZEAL Network, added:

“SevenCanyon is a highly profitable business with a proven business model. Financing the acquisition primarily through a new loan preserves our financial flexibility for future growth-oriented and shareholder-friendly capital allocation.”

Next Steps or Impact

The acquisition gives ZEAL immediate access to one of Europe’s fastest-growing prize draw markets while strengthening its international expansion strategy. The company intends to leverage its expertise in customer acquisition, data analytics, regulatory compliance and platform operations to accelerate SevenCanyon’s future growth.

Edited by: @_fonta