WMS stockholders approve merger agreement with Scientific Games

More than 99% of the votes represented and cast at the meeting, or approximately 75% of the total outstanding shares of common stock eligible to vote as of the April 8, 2013 record date, were voted in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. Stockholders also approved the non-binding advisory proposal regarding merger-related compensation with a vote of more than 85% of the votes represented and cast at the meeting. 

Upon the closing of the transaction, WMS will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Scientific Games and WMS stockholders (other than WMS stockholders who have properly exercised rights of appraisal) will be entitled to receive $26.00 in cash, without interest, for each share of WMS common stock owned at the time of the transaction’s closing. 

The merger, expected to be completed by the end of 2013, is subject to the receipt of certain required gaming jurisdiction approvals, along with the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The parties timely filed applications for gaming regulatory approvals (or otherwise provided the required documentation or information) in all jurisdictions in which the filing of such applications (or the provision of such information) was required under the merger agreement. 

“Today’s shareholder approval is an important milestone toward completing the pending acquisition of WMS by Scientific Games,” said Brian R. Gamache, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WMS.

“In the meantime, we remain focused on commercializing new innovative game content and products for our casino operator customers. We are encouraged by the strong player acceptance of our unique new Blade and Gamefield xD gaming machines, solid performance of new games including MONOPOLY Legends, SPIDER-MAN and Colossal Reels, and the ongoing growth of our interactive products and services,” added Gamache.