Canada
Largest ever US-based company to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange commences trading on AIM
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.
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 Guys, Downwell 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.
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.
“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.”
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.“
Canada
ComeOn Group adds sportsbook to its offering in Ontario
ComeOn Group announced a significant milestone in its sportsbook expansion journey with the addition of sportsbook to their offering in Ontario following the successful acquisition of the required permits. This addition represents a strategic advancement in the Groups sportsbook growth trajectory where they are set to double its sportsbook business in the coming years.
ComeOn Group is one of 51 active operators in Ontario. The Ontario market has experienced robust growth since its launch, reaching C$6.7 billion in revenue in 2023.* By 2029, the market is forecasted to grow by a total of 29%, with 2024 expected to close with a 20% increase.
ComeOn keeps investing in its sportsbook business acceleration that is powered by its proprietary sportsbook platform and in-house risk management and trading team. As a multi product vertical operator, ComeOn is striving to give its customer base a safe and exciting entertainment destination and this approach is now expanded to their Ontario audience.
Juergen Reutter, Chief Executive Officer at ComeOn Group, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities this new milestone opens up for us. As a casino-led operator it represents a key part of our sportsbook strategy to double our business in the coming years. Like in any of our other markets, we are striving for a differentiated sportsbook entertainment experience that is powered by our in-house technology. Our goal is to deliver top-tier entertainment to our players while fostering safe and innovative gaming experiences.”
*Source – H2GC H2 Ontario Data 25.10.2024 (excl. Lottery)
BCLC
INTRALOT Announces New Project with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for Online Lottery Platform
INTRALOT S.A. has announced the undertaking of a new project between the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the sole lottery operator for the Government of British Columbia in Canada, and INTRALOT Inc., its US subsidiary, for the provision of an online lottery platform. The project also includes the digitalization of the existing land-based network.
The solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem, and adds to the company’s overall partnership with BCLC, which has been extended until 2028.
INTRALOT is a leading player in a changing world of gaming. With significant experience in looking forward and anticipating emerging trends, the company provides future-proof solutions to regulated lottery and gaming operators around the world.
Canada
Relax Gaming joins forces with PointsBet to strengthen footprint in Ontario
Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has significantly enhanced its presence in the Ontario market through an agreement with leading Canadian operator, PointsBet.
This partnership reinforces Relax Gaming’s aim to become a standout provider across North America, having already gained early success in Ontario. Relax became one of the first suppliers to deliver content to the region’s players in March 2022, debuting with over 120 games across multiple operators.
PointsBet pride themselves as one of Canada’s leading operators offering unmatched speed, ease of use, and a comprehensive array of pre-game and in-play sports betting options. This is complemented by a top-tier online casino which will now be boosted with the integration of Relax’s portfolio of slots and live dealer options.
With its authentic Canadian approach, PointsBet prioritises technology that minimises external dependencies to maintain control over its platform and has a commitment to responsible gambling best practices, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all players.
Martin Stålros, CEO at Relax Gaming, said: “Since we launched in Ontario we have enjoyed tremendous success, with our content hitting the sweet spot for the broad range of players in the Canadian province. This partnership with PointsBet will strengthen our presence in the market as the region’s leading operator integrates our rich content portfolio which will engage its player base.”
Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer at PointsBet, added: “Relax Gaming has established a strong reputation across North America and in Ontario in particular. The impressive range of content that will be integrated into our platform will increase engagement within our online platform and we are delighted to be able to provide more immersive experiences to our audiences.”
Established as one of the industry’s leading B2B suppliers, Relax Gaming was awarded GGA’s Product Launch of the Year in February 2023 for Dream Drop Jackpots. Money Train 3 names the 2023 CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards amongst its 6 Slot of the Year titles, while the brand also won the award for Skill Games Supplier at the 2023 EGR B2B Awards along with the Innovation in Mobile award at the 2023 SBC Awards.
Relax Gaming provides more than 4,000 online casino games, from its high-performing proprietary slots to a significant, varied library of content from hand-picked third-party studios via its partnership programmes.
-
gaming2 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018