Gaming Innovation Group acquires Sportnco for $57M, secures SkyCity's investment

Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) on Wednesday signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire the iGaming company Sportnco Gaming, one of the leading platform providers of turnkey betting and gaming solutions for operators in regulated markets through its inhouse developed sportsbook and PAM.

Combined, GiG and Sportnco will be licensed in 25 markets, currently with around 55 clients, as Sportnco's geographical presence is highly complementary to GiG's current offering. With Sportnco's tier 1 sportsbook product, the acquisition is expected to create attractive commercial, operational, and technological synergies, as well as enable cost savings and accelerated growth.

Sportnco is estimating revenues for 2021 in excess of €9 million with an EBITDA around €5 million.

The initial consideration is €50.8 million (USD 57,3M), whereof €23.5 million will be paid in new shares in GiG and €27.3 million in cash. In addition, GiG will assume existing debt in Sportnco of €19.2 million and there will be an earn-out of up to €23.0 million based on the Sportnco performance in 2022 and 2023.

GiG has also entered into an agreement with SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited, whereby SkyCity will, subject to final completion of the acquisition, invest €25 million in GiG through a directed share issue at NOK 18.00 per share, that will finance the main part of the cash consideration.

Closing is expected in February 2022 and is subject to necessary approvals from relevant gaming authorities, shareholder approval to increase the authorised shares in GiG, bondholder approval on the rollover of loans in Sportnco, and final approval by GiG's Board of Directors.

Richard Brown, CEO of GiG said: "We are tremendously excited to welcome Sportnco into Gaming Innovation Group product offering. The transaction accelerates our long-term vision to become a global leader in the provision of platform, sportsbook and media services to the iGaming industry. The hugely complimentary regulatory profile and high-quality sportsbook that Sportnco have, rapidly expands both companies short- and long-term addressable market".

Hervé Schlosser, CEO and founder of Sportnco, commented "GIG and Sportnco really have the perfect match both in terms of product and geographical areas of business but also as they share the same corporate values. I am excited by the sales potential of our combined offerings".

"We are excited that SkyCity is expanding its strategic partnership with the GiG team. The combined GiG/SportNCo business will be licensed or certified in over 20 jurisdictions, including growth markets such as the US, Canada and Latin America", said SkyCity's CEO, Michael Ahearne.