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Largest ever US-based company to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange commences trading on AIM

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US video game publisher Devolver’s admission to trading in London is one of the largest ever floats on AIM and illustrates continued consumer and investor enthusiasm for digital gaming.

European law firm Fieldfisher has advised award-winning US video game publisher Devolver Digital, Inc. on its admission to trading to London’s AIM market, raising approximately US$261 million (£190 million) and valuing the company at a US$950 million (£694.6 million) market cap – making it one of the largest ever floats on AIM.

Shares in the company commenced trading at 8am today, Thursday 4 November.

This transaction marks the start of Devolver’s next stage of growth, providing US$50 million of gross proceeds to the company to accelerate its growth strategy and expansion plans. The transaction also included a secondary cash placing of US$211 million for management and existing investors, including strategic investor NetEase, Inc, who retain an investment in the company.

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The ground-breaking transaction means Devolver will be the second-largest company (by market capitalisation) ever admitted to trading on AIM and the largest ever US-based operating company to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange across all markets. The placing has seen Devolver receive a significant strategic investment from a key industry player, as well as support from US institutional investors through the 144a placing.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Austin, Texas and London, UK, Devolver is an award-winning video games publisher in the indie games space.

With an emphasis on curating and publishing premium games, Devolver has a back catalogue of approximately 90 video game titles, including indie cult classics such as Fall GuysDownwell and Enter the Gungeon.

Devolver has begun to selectively acquire studios and IP that enhance its pipeline and support its long-term international growth strategy.

Since the beginning of 2020, Devolver has acquired five of its long-term partner development studios and a second publishing brand.

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The company has approximately 200 team members in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as subsidiaries in the UK, Netherlands, Croatia, Poland and the US.

Devolver works with a number of leading video game providers in the PC (Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle and Epic Games), console (PlayStation and Xbox) and mobile (Apple, Google Play, NetEase Games, BiliBili and Tencent Games) markets.

The company intends to use its AIM listing as a platform to fund its international, long-term growth strategy and increase its profile and brand-awareness globally.

Commenting on Devolver’s successful admission to AIM, Ed Westhead, corporate partner at Fieldfisher said:

Devolver’s IPO is one of the standout deals on AIM this year and in the history of the junior market, which continues to provide an excellent, globally recognised platform for growing companies to attract capital and build their profile.

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Having recently advised on a number of significant transactions for video games companies, we can attest to the high levels of activity in this sector and the strength of interest in digital leisure activities.

We wish Devolver the best of luck on its future as London-listed company.

Douglas Morin, Chief Executive Officer of Devolver Digital, said:

An IPO is the right choice for us to ensure our continued growth and support even more wonderful games. Most importantly it will allow us to retain our culture. 

Being a public company gives liquidity to our amazing team, all of whom are shareholders. It also gives us access to capital markets to continue investing in our growth strategy and talent.”

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Brian Chadwick, Devolver’s General Counsel, said:

This is a transformational step for Devolver. As a leading US games company, coming to AIM gives us the opportunity to work with people who understand our culture, the commercial drivers in the games industry and what we are trying to achieve.

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Casino Time Partners with GeoLocs for Enhanced Geolocation Compliance in Ontario

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GeoLocs by mkodo, proven and trusted provider of geolocation services built exclusively for the iGaming industry, is excited to announce its partnership with casino operator, Casino Time. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in delivering secure and seamless online gaming experiences to Casino Time players in Ontario.

With the legalisation of iGaming in Ontario 2 years ago, regulatory compliance and player safety are top priorities for operators across North America. GeoLocs state-of-the-art geolocation compliance technology, coupled with its dedication to data protection (as seen by the recent ISO certification), provide Casino Time with guaranteed compliance while prioritising player privacy.

Through GeoLocs’ intuitive and easy-to-implement SDK and the highly self-serviceable GeoLocs platform, Casino Time provides its players with a seamless user experience, requiring no additional downloads, resulting in uninterrupted access to their favourite games while maintaining compliance with Ontario’s iGaming regulations.

Jeffrey Holmes, COO at Casino Time said: “Casino Time’s mission is to create the best possible gaming experience for its users and partnering with GeoLocs for our geolocation verification service means that we can provide our players with an online casino experience like no other. An experience that is secure and seamless, whilst also remaining compliant with regulations set out by the province of Ontario. The support provided by the team at GeoLocs has been incredible and their knowledge of geolocation and the Ontario market is second to none. With GeoLocs, we can ensure that our operations meet regulatory requirements while delivering a frictionless experience for our players.”

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Stuart Godfree, Managing Director at mkodo, said: “We are excited to partner with Casino Time to support their expansion into the Ontario iGaming market. GeoLocs is designed to prioritise data protection and regulatory compliance while delivering a seamless experience for both operators and players. With GeoLocs technology, Casino Time can operate with confidence, knowing that they are meeting regulatory standards and providing their players with a safe and secure gaming environment.”

The partnership between GeoLocs and Casino Time demonstrates a shared commitment to excellence, compliance, and player experience in the iGaming industry. By leveraging GeoLocs’ advanced geolocation technology, Casino Time aims to enhance its position as a leading provider of online gaming experiences in Ontario.

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Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Historic Transaction of Casino Nanaimo

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Great Canadian Entertainment, Canada’s leading gaming and hospitality company, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its landmark Vancouver Island property, Casino Nanaimo, to Petroglyph Development Group Ltd (Petroglyph) in a historic transaction for both parties. Petroglyph is a wholly owned corporation of the Snuneymuxw First Nation dedicated to realizing the economic potential of the Nation.

Great Canadian’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions as well as customary approvals by the regulatory authorities. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, the Company will provide transition services to Petroglyph for up to two years post-closing.

“We are very pleased to have executed this agreement. As the operator of Casino Nanaimo since its inception in 1986, we believe that under Petroglyph’s steady management, this transaction will provide Casino Nanaimo, its guests and team members with an exciting new chapter. We look forward to the closing and then working with the Petroglyph team during the transition period to ensure an outstanding outcome for all parties,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

“We celebrate our partnership with Great Canadian and our entry into B.C.’s casino industry. We are committed to bringing Snuneymuxw’s local expertise to an established tradition of outstanding guest service and meaningful community contributions. Honouring the decades of work by past Snuneymuxw Chiefs and Councils, we look forward to closing the definitive agreement and realizing our collective vision with the Great Canadian team. This collaboration promises to bring significant benefits and substantial economic growth to our Nation and the local community,” said Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse.

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Erralyn Joseph, President of Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), said: “The Snuneymuxw group of companies are profoundly honoured to support Snuneymuxw economic growth in significant and meaningful ways. In addition to our pending acquisition of the business, we are honoured to announce the return of the associated land once closing is completed, a part of the Snuneymuxw xwsol’lexwel village. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to share this news and remain committed to advancing the region’s economic growth in support of all its residents.”

Ian Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of PDG, said: “Acquiring this significant asset will unlock unprecedented economic potential for Snuneymuxw and PDG, paving the way for transformative growth in Snuneymuxw’s economy and the profits that PDG returns to our Nation.”

McMillan is serving as legal counsel to Great Canadian. McCarthy Tétrault is acting as legal counsel and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Petroglyph.

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Canada set to host the next BLAST R6 Major with world’s best Rainbow Six esports players to compete in Montreal in November

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World’s best Rainbow Six Siege esports teams from 9 regions will compete in Montreal, Canada. $750,000 in total prize pool up for grabs at final Major of 2024.

Today, Ubisoft and BLAST have released details for the final BLAST Rainbow Six Major of Season 2024, which is due to take place in Montreal, Canada from 7 to 17 of November.

Rainbow Six Esports is back in Canada for the first time since 2023, with Montreal’s Verdun Auditorium set to welcome 20 of the world’s best teams over two weeks in November. The BLAST R6 Major Montreal will feature a three-phase format with the final weekend playing out in front of a live audience with thousands of fans expected to pack out the Verdun Arena.

Tickets are available here: eventim.ca

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Dates & location:

  • Phase 1: 7 – 8 November – not open to public
  • Phase 2: 10 – 13 November – not open to public
  • Phase 3: 15 – 17 November – open to the public at the Verdun Auditorium, Montreal

Venue: Verdun Auditorium

Address: 4110 Bd LaSalle, Verdun, QC H4G 2A5, Canada

With Stage 2 of the Regional Leagues is set to get underway from September, teams across the nine different regions of BLAST R6 will be looking to become one of the 20 teams to qualify for the Montreal Major. These teams will compete for the lion’s share of the USD $750,000 prize pool, as well as points to qualify for the Six Invitational 2025.

Montreal and Rainbow Six have a long history together since the teams behind the development of Rainbow Six Siege are based in Ubisoft offices in Montreal. The city had previously hosted international Rainbow Six Esports tournaments such as the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023 editions of Rainbow Six’s SIX Invitational where Brazilian team w7m had been crowned World Champions.

Additional details on the venue, ticketing, and more are available via Eventim here: eventim.ca

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For more information about BLAST R6, please visit rainbow6.com and follow us on social media.

 

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