Playtika Hires Morgan Stanley to Explore Sale as Market Valuation Plummets by 90%

Playtika explores a potential sale as market value hits $1 billion. Morgan Stanley to advise on strategic alternatives after 90% stock decline.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 12, 2026, 12:24 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Globes

Gaming Giant Revisits Strategic Sale Options

Playtika, the mobile gaming firm led by co-founder Robert Antokol, has officially announced the formation of a special committee to evaluate strategic options aimed at maximizing value for its shareholders. This move signals that the company is once again open to a full acquisition, a transition to private ownership, or the divestment of specific business units. According to reports from Globes, the board has enlisted Morgan Stanley to navigate this process, which follows a period of significant stock volatility and a decline to record lows in late March.

Navigating the Aftermath of a Halted Review

The current exploration of a sale is not the first time the company has sought an exit strategy. In early 2022, Playtika engaged the Raine Group for a similar review, but the process was ultimately suspended in early 2024. According to official statements from the company, the previous effort was halted due to persistent geopolitical uncertainty in Israel and Ukraine, both of which serve as major operational hubs for the developer. This latest decision to restart the search for a buyer comes as the company’s valuation has eroded by nearly 90 percent since its 2021 Wall Street debut.

Financial Pressures and Dividend Suspensions

The strategic shift coincides with a tightening of Playtika's fiscal policies as it attempts to manage a complex balance sheet. In the final quarter of 2025, the company reported a net loss of $309 million, primarily attributed to accounting adjustments linked to the performance of its SuperPlay acquisition. To preserve liquidity and prioritize high-return capital investments, the board has opted to suspend the quarterly dividend. According to company financial reports, the firm is moving toward a more flexible financial structure to withstand a cooling growth trajectory in the mobile gaming sector.