Ireland throws wrench in Playtech’s Ava Trade ambitions

The Central Bank of Ireland is opposing Playtech’s plan to acquire Ava Trade, a Dublin-based online forex and contracts for difference (CFD) outfit.

Playtech announced on Monday that plans to seek clarification from the Irish central bank after the regulator raised objects to the deal in a letter sent last week.

“Having taken legal advice and having regard to the circumstances at hand, the company will be seeking clarification from the CBI today and to engage with them in order to discuss certain issues raised in the letter,” the London-listed company said in a regulatory announcement.

Playtech, founded by Israeli businessman Teddy Sagi, traditionally focused on developing sports betting and casino games software. However, this year sought to expand into financial trading by bidding $105 million to acquire Ava Trade.