G-Tech challenges OPAP-Intralot deal
US-Italian firm G-Tech yesterday filed an application for a temporary injunction against a recent decision by gaming company OPAP to extend a contract with Intralot. In its application, G-Tech argues that the cancellation of a tender for the supply of mechanical equipment and the awarding of its object to G-Tech’s competitor Intralot was unjustifiable. The firm also invokes the decision of an Athens court last November which ruled that all three bids in the tender were lawful. The application will be discussed on September 11. OPAP officials said yesterday that the corporation’s legal department is examining the application by G-Tech in order to prepare its defense: «They have their legal arguments and we have ours,» a high-ranking OPAP official told Kathimerini. He also appeared reassuring about the legal dispute between his company and the US-Italian firm. Separately, OPAP is awaiting the outcome of the general elections next month in order to present its new five-year business plan for 2008-2012. Chief Executive Vassilis Neiadas said on Friday that the company is awaiting the government’s decision on the introduction of new games such as horse racing, video-lotto and poker. The new games are ready to be introduced, says OPAP, but the government cannot give its approval before the election on September 16. Consequently, the business plan will be presented by the end of this year. Finally, referring to its flagship betting game «Pame Stoichima,» Neiadas said management’s target is to reach a turnover of 2 billion euros by the end of 2007.
