Emma Delta softens its stance against TAIPED
Emma Delta, the consortium that has bid for a controlling stake in OPAP, is softening its stance toward state privatization fund TAIPED and aims to seal the deal for the Greek gaming monopoly.
In a letter sent by the consortium’s majority shareholder, Jiri Smejc, to the Financial Times he says that any decisions with the fund will not put the privatization of OPAP at risk. Smejc also expressed his displeasure at a report by the newspaper on June 28 suggesting a likely failure.
The Czech entrepreneur makes it clear that he wants to see the agreement go ahead: “We are convinced that the transaction will be completed whether new procuring companies are chosen for OPAP or not, and we are ready to work hard,” he said in his letter. At no point does he dispute the legality of the TAIPED decisions, and insists Emma Delta will get OPAP regardless of whether the OPAP-led consortium signs an agreement to operate the state lotteries.
