Israeli gaming and software businessman, Tedi Sagi, has purchased a huge portion of valuable property in the Camden market area of London for US$664 million; this deal includes the old Camden Stables as well as Hawley Wharf.
These markets are one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. In fact, it attracts about 100,000 people every weekend who are eager to check out the stalls where vendors sell their wares like clothing, fast food, and small gifts. In recent years, this property has gained in value significantly and is considered to be an impressive piece of London real estate.
Sagi, who served 18 months in jail back in the 90s for fraud and bribery, founded his company, Playtech, in 1999. His company provides software for online casinos, bingo games, and poker rooms. Today, Playtech has grown tremendously and has a worth that is estimated at US$3.4 billion.
This deal has been years in the making and Tedi Sagi had to do quite a lot of maneuvering to make it happen. In March of 2013 Playtech a 15% interest that it heldd in the British Gambling company, William Hill Plc back to the company; which generated US$704 million. Then, in March of 2014, Tedi Sagi personally raised a sum that is equivalent to approximate US$500 million by selling15% stake in Playtech. This move reduced his own share position, but also earned him a decent amount of liquidity that was used to help purchase the famous market
Two of the three partners who sold their shares to Sagi (and who hold 25% each) are the restaurant tycoon Richard Caring and UK property company Chelsfield Partners. When Caring bought his share of the now famous property in 2005, the selling price was a mere US$67 million. In other words, this sale to Sagi, has more than doubled his initial investment. Maybe now, Caring with try investing in Forex and binary options to make even more money.
The majority shareholder,investor Bebo Kobo, bought into the markets over 20 years ago and had been seeking investors to take the property to new heights. He has invested vast resources in developing this property to turn it into the leading tourist and entertainment destination that it is today. Because of his majority share, his profit will be significantly higher than Caring's.