The firm behind the well-known online gaming platform, formerly known as 888, has officially adopted a new identity, Evoke plc. This rebranding comes on the heels of the company’s financial report for the 2023 fiscal year, which was released in March.
Evoke’s financial performance has been impressive, with earnings reaching £1.7 billion in the past year, a 37% jump. Despite this growth, the company still reported net losses, although these were significantly lower than in 2022.
The name change was approved by investors at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 13th. A total of 284,646,548 votes were cast in favor of the rebranding, with only 595,372 votes opposed.
Following the rebranding, Evoke will be listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) under the new ticker symbol EVOK. In a LinkedIn post, Evoke announced the rebranding, highlighting that the new name represents a fresh start for the company.
The post stated that Evoke symbolizes a new direction for the company, building on its strengths and uniting its multi-brand group under a single strategy, vision, and identity. The rebranding also more accurately reflects the company’s mission: to provide players with top-tier betting and gaming experiences.
The recent gathering of stakeholders saw the reappointment of several directors and the selection of 888’s chief executive, Per Widerström, for a position on the board. Ernst & Young LLP and Ernst & Young Limited were also chosen to continue their roles as auditors for the organization.
The rebranding is a component of a larger plan for 888.
Widerström, when initially announcing the change, stated that Evoke would provide an opportunity for 888 to “restart.”
“We have a significant amount of work ahead of us. This is a fresh start for the company,” he said. “However, we have a clear understanding of what success entails, and we have a well-defined strategy to achieve it. This will be executed with a high degree of focus.”
888 emphasized that the rebranding would be a part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing profits, known as the Value Creation Plan. The plan encompasses six strategic initiatives, beginning with Widerström’s appointment as CEO last year, followed by the appointment of a strengthened leadership team. The strategy was also outlined in 888’s annual financial report.
One of the most notable initiatives is “Operations 2.0,” in which Evoke will utilize artificial intelligence to enhance its daily operations.
“I am a fan of AI, as long as it is used appropriately,” Widerström said in March. “As stated today, ‘Operations 2.0’ represents the correct approach [to implementing AI].”
The 888 rebranding follows a period of instability.
888 agreed to rebrand as Evoke plc after a period of instability. In June, FS Gaming, an investment vehicle supported by former GVC (now Entain) CEO Kenny Alexander, acquired a 6.57% ownership stake in 888.
After this, FS Gaming suggested that three former Entain executives assume control of 888. This would result in Alexander becoming the chief executive officer of 888. Former Entain chairman Lee Feldman would also become the chairman of 888, and Stephen Morana would become the chief financial officer.
Following this, the UK Gambling Commission initiated a review of 888 due to HMRC’s investigation into Entain’s past activities in Turkey. This investigation concluded last November, with Entain agreeing to pay £585 million in a deferred prosecution agreement.
In August, FS Gaming ended its voting rights agreement with former Entain CEO Shay Segev. The commission declared it would not take any action against Alexander’s attempt to take over management in March.
Last month, 888Sport was also banned by the Dominican Republic, becoming one of over 40 operators blacklisted as the country begins to re-regulate.
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