Press Release: Enthusiast Gaming Expands into League of Legends with Acquisition of U.GG
Press Release: Enthusiast Gaming Expands into League of Legends with Acquisition of U.GG
Enthusiast Gaming Expands into League of Legends with Acquisition of U.GG
發燒友遊戲通過收購UGG擴展到英雄聯盟
U.GG featured on leagueoflegends.com as a resource for players
U.GG在leagueoflegends.com上作為玩家的資源進行了介紹
180 million people played League of Legends in October 2021, an all-time high
2021年10月,1.8億人扮演英雄聯盟,創歷史新高
2021 League of Legends World Championship sets viewership record
2021年英雄聯盟世錦賽創下收視紀錄
Arcane, the Netflix animated series based on League of Legends, reached #1 in 52 countries this month
根據英雄聯盟改編的網飛動畫片《奧祕》本月在52個國家排名第一
TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. ("Enthusiast Gaming" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:EGLX; TSX:EGLX) is pleased to announce it has acquired Outplayed, Inc. (the "Acquisition"), owners of U.GG, one of the largest League of Legends fan communities in the world. All dollar amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.
多倫多,2021年11月23日(環球通訊社)--熱情遊戲控股公司(以下簡稱“熱情遊戲”或“公司”)(納斯達克股票代碼:EGLX;多倫多證券交易所股票代碼:EGLX)高興地宣佈,它已經收購了世界上最大的英雄聯盟粉絲社區之一--U.GG的所有者Outplay,Inc.(以下簡稱“收購”)。除非另有説明,所有的美元金額都是美元。
The total consideration is approximately $45 million (the "Purchase Price") in cash and stock paid at closing and to be paid through a schedule of deferred Anniversary Payments (as defined below), plus earnouts of potentially up to $12 million (the "Earnouts"), subject to certain performance milestones being achieved within a two-year period from the date of closing.
總對價約為4500萬美元(“收購價”),在交易完成時支付,並將通過遞延週年付款時間表(定義見下文)支付,外加可能高達1200萬美元的溢價(“溢價”),但須在交易完成之日起兩年內實現某些業績里程碑。
Founded in 2017 by Shinggo Lu and Alan Liang and based in Austin, Texas, U.GG was incubated at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment's Sixers Innovation Lab. U.GG has grown into one of the largest global services for the world's most popular esport, League of Legends, by turning better data into smarter insights for fans and gamers. By combining a rigorous data science approach with a proprietary user-centric experience, U.GG provides actionable, data-driven insights supporting, educating, connecting, and engaging its current monthly active user base of approximately 8 million players. U.GG is featured on the official League of Legends website (www.leagueoflegends.com) as a resource for players.
UGG由Shinggo Lu和Alan Leung於2017年創立,總部位於得克薩斯州奧斯汀,在哈里斯·布利策體育娛樂公司(Harris Blitzer Sports&Entertainment)的Sixers創新實驗室孵化。UGG通過將更好的數據轉化為球迷和遊戲玩家更明智的見解,已經成長為世界上最受歡迎的體育賽事英雄聯盟的最大全球服務之一。通過將嚴格的數據科學方法與專有的以用户為中心的體驗相結合,UGG提供可操作的、數據驅動的洞察力,支持、教育、連接和吸引其目前約800萬玩家的月度活躍用户羣。U.GG在英雄聯盟的官方網站(www.leagueoflegends.com)上作為球員的資源進行了介紹。
League of Legends is a free to play PC game originally released in 2009 and is the flagship title of developer and publisher Riot Games. Recently, Riot Games announced that the number of active players across the League of Legends franchise reached 180 million in October 2021, a record high. The game attracts a very large spectator audience for its competitive tournaments; Riot Games also recently announced that the 2021 League of Legends World Championship held earlier this month reached a record high for aggregate peak concurrent viewers of approximately 74 million. The popularity of the League of Legends franchise has expanded with the recent launch of an original animated series on Netflix, Arcane, which reached No. 1 in 52 countries.
英雄聯盟是一款免費的PC遊戲,最初發佈於2009年,是暴動遊戲開發商和發行商的旗艦遊戲。最近,暴動遊戲宣佈,2021年10月,英雄聯盟專營權的活躍玩家數量達到了1.8億,創歷史新高。這場比賽的競技錦標賽吸引了非常多的觀眾;Riot Games最近還宣佈,本月早些時候舉行的2021年英雄聯盟世界錦標賽達到了創紀錄的峯值,併發觀眾總數約為7400萬。最近,網飛公司推出了一部原創動畫片《奧祕》,在52個國家登上榜首,《英雄聯盟》系列的人氣進一步擴大。
"League of Legends is one of the biggest games in the world, and U.GG is one of the game's largest fan communities and stats sites," said Adrian Montgomery, CEO of Enthusiast Gaming. "Financially, the Acquisition is accretive and integrates very well within our existing business model, adding new media availability and opportunities for our direct sales team, proprietary content, and subscription offerings. Shinggo, Alan, and the U.GG team have built something special, and we are excited to welcome them to the Enthusiast Gaming family."
“英雄聯盟是世界上最大的遊戲之一,而UGG是該遊戲最大的粉絲社區和統計網站之一,”熱情遊戲公司首席執行官阿德里安·蒙哥馬利説。在財務上,這項收購是增值的,並與我們現有的業務模式很好地結合在一起,為我們的直銷團隊、專有內容和訂閲產品增加了新的媒體供應和機會。Shinggo、Alan和U.GG團隊創造了一些特別的東西,我們很高興歡迎他們加入Ensisiast Gaming大家庭。“
"We are excited to join Enthusiast Gaming as we continue building a go-to destination for League of Legends fans," said Shinggo Lu, Founder & CEO of U.GG. "Alan and I would like to thank the Sixers Innovation Lab for being an integral part of our success to date. We are ready for the next part of our entrepreneurial journey alongside some of the brightest players in gaming and esports."
UGG創始人兼首席執行官陸星戈表示:“我們很高興能加入熱心遊戲,因為我們將繼續為英雄聯盟粉絲打造一個首選目的地。”艾倫和我要感謝76人創新實驗室是我們迄今成功不可或缺的一部分。我們已經準備好與遊戲和體育領域一些最聰明的參與者一起踏上創業之旅的下一段旅程。“
"Over the last several years, the Sixers Innovation Lab and U.GG have worked in close partnership to expand U.GG's reach and develop their industry-leading platform," said Josh Harris, Founder and Managing General Partner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. "This marks a promising new chapter in U.GG's trajectory. Joining Enthusiast Gaming, one of the fastest growing video game and esports companies in North America, will help accelerate U.GG's growth, expand its reach, and elevate the fan experience. There is no shortage of innovation happening in esports, and we look forward to seeing how this exciting transaction will continue to push the industry forward and deliver new and exciting experiences to passionate fans around the world."
Harris Blitzer Sports&Entertainment創始人兼管理普通合夥人喬希·哈里斯(Josh Harris)説:“在過去的幾年裏,76人創新實驗室和U.GG一直在密切合作,以擴大U.GG的影響範圍,發展他們行業領先的平臺。”這標誌着UGG發展軌跡上充滿希望的新篇章。加入Ensisiast Gaming,北美增長最快的視頻遊戲和體育公司之一,將有助於加快UGG的增長,擴大其覆蓋範圍,提升球迷體驗。體育領域不乏創新,我們期待着看到這筆令人興奮的交易將如何繼續推動該行業向前發展,併為世界各地熱情的球迷提供新的令人興奮的體驗。
U.GG is expected to generate revenue of approximately $8 million and net income of approximately $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
在截至2022年12月31日的一年中,U.GG預計將產生約800萬美元的收入和約300萬美元的淨收入。
Transaction Terms
交易條款
Pursuant to the terms of an agreement dated November 22, 2021, 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Outplayed, Inc. were acquired by the Company through a wholly-owned subsidiary. The Purchase Price is comprised of i) $7.5 million in cash paid on closing, ii) the issuance of 5.2 million common shares of the Company (the "Closing Shares") with an approximate value of $20.6 million, and iii) two deferred payments of $8.5 million each, payable on the first and second anniversaries of the closing date (collectively, the "Anniversary Payments"), which may be settled in cash or common shares (valued at the relevant time) at the option of the Company. The Earnouts are comprised of two payments of $6.0 million each, payable on the first and second anniversaries of the closing date if earned, which may be settled in cash or common shares (valued at the relevant time) at the option of the Company. The Earnouts are subject to U.GG achieving certain performance milestones, and are in addition to the Purchase Price.
根據日期為2021年11月22日的協議條款,本公司通過一家全資子公司收購了Outplay,Inc.的100%已發行和流通股。收購價包括i)成交時支付的750萬美元現金,ii)發行520萬股本公司普通股(“結清股份”),價值約為2060萬美元,及iii)兩次遞延付款,每股850萬美元,於成交日期的第一和第二週年日支付(統稱為“週年付款”),可由本公司選擇以現金或普通股(於有關時間估值)支付。溢價包括兩筆付款,每筆600萬美元,如果盈利,將在交易結束日的第一和第二個週年日支付,可根據公司的選擇以現金或普通股(在相關時間估值)結算。溢價取決於U.GG達到某些業績里程碑,並且是收購價格之外的額外費用。
The Closing Shares are subject to a statutory hold period and a contractual lock-up as follows: 1,008,150 common shares issued to each of Shinggo Lu and Alan Liang will be released as to one third on each of 180, 360, and 540 days following the closing date; 3,183,700 common shares issued to other equity holders of Outplayed, Inc., including 1,568,278 common shares issued to Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, or a designate thereof, will be released as to one half on each of 120 and 240 days following the closing date. Any common shares issued in connection with the Anniversary Payments or Earnouts will be subject to a contractual lock-up of180 days for Shinggo Lu and Alan Liang and 120 days for all other holders. The Acquisition is subject to other customary terms including, but not limited to, adjustments to the Purchase Price for cash and working capital in Outplayed, Inc. at time of closing.
收市股份須受法定持有期及合約禁售期的限制,詳情如下:1,008,150股發行予陸心果及樑家傑各發行的普通股,將於收市後180天、360天及540天各發行三分之一;3,183,700股發行予Outplay,Inc.其他股東的普通股,包括1,568,278股發行予Harris Blitzer Sports&Entertainment或其指定的普通股,將於收市後120天及240天各發行一半。與週年付款或溢價有關而發行的任何普通股,呂成國和樑家傑的合約禁售期為180天,所有其他持有人的禁售期為120天。此次收購受其他慣例條款的約束,包括但不限於,在交易完成時對Outplay,Inc.的現金和營運資本的收購價進行調整。
Enthusiast Gaming was represented by Minden Gross LLP and Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP and Outplayed, Inc. was represented by Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP and Goodmans LLP in Canada.
狂熱遊戲公司由Minden Gross LLP和Carter LedYard&Milburn LLP代表,加拿大的Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP和Goodmans LLP代表勝過Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP和Goodmans LLP。
About Enthusiast Gaming
關於狂熱的遊戲
Enthusiast Gaming is building the largest media and content platform for video game and esports fans to connect and engage worldwide. Combining the elements of its four core pillars; Media, Talent, Esports and Experiences, Enthusiast Gaming provides a unique opportunity and integrated approach to reach and connect with its coveted Gen Z and Millennial audience. Through its proprietary mix of digital media and entertainment assets, Enthusiast Gaming has built a vast network of like-minded communities to deliver the ultimate fan experience.
狂熱的遊戲正在為全球的視頻遊戲和體育愛好者建立一個最大的媒體和內容平臺,讓他們相互聯繫和參與。Ensisiast Gaming結合了其四大核心支柱(媒體、人才、電子競技和體驗)的要素,提供了一個獨特的機會和綜合方式來接觸和聯繫其令人垂涎的Z世代和千禧一代觀眾。通過其數字媒體和娛樂資產的專有組合,Ensisiast Gaming建立了一個由志同道合的社區組成的龐大網絡,以提供終極粉絲體驗。
About Sixers Innovation Lab
關於Sixers創新實驗室
The Sixers Innovation Lab supports rapidly growing, early-stage companies in the consumer product space and provides speed and flexibility, individualized, industry-leading consulting and investment opportunities to startups with potential. Selected companies receive office space; access to industry experts, executives, and financiers; and third-party branding, marketing and legal services. The Sixers Innovation Lab is housed in the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex Business Operations Facility. Entrepreneur Seth Berger, Founder and former CEO of AND 1, an American footwear and clothing company, manages the Lab. For more information or to apply go to SixersInnovationLab.com; follow the Sixers Innovation Lab on Twitter at @SixersLab.
Sixers創新實驗室支持消費產品領域快速成長的初創公司,併為有潛力的初創企業提供快速、靈活、個性化的行業領先的諮詢和投資機會。選定的公司將獲得辦公空間;接觸行業專家、高管和金融家;以及第三方品牌推廣、營銷和法律服務。76人創新實驗室位於費城76人培訓綜合體業務運營設施內。企業家塞斯·伯傑(Seth Berger)是美國鞋類和服裝公司And 1的創始人和前首席執行官,負責管理該實驗室。欲瞭解更多信息或申請,請訪問SixersInnovationLab.com;在Twitter上關注SixersInnovation Lab@SixersLab。
Contacts
聯繫人
Investor Relations:
投資者關係:
Eric Bernofsky, Chief Corporate Officer, Enthusiast Gaming
埃裏克·貝爾諾夫斯基(Eric Bernofsky),Ensisiast Gaming首席企業官
investor@enthusiastgaming.com
電子郵箱:Investors@hervastgaming.com
Media Relations:
媒體關係:
Ashley Stanhope, Provident Communications
阿什利·斯坦霍普,普羅維登特通信公司
ashley@providentcomms.com
郵箱:ashley@Providentcomms.com
416-303-1498
416-303-1498
Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
多倫多證券交易所及其監管服務提供商(該術語在多倫多證券交易所的政策中定義)均不對本新聞稿的充分性或準確性承擔責任。
This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results, developments, performance or achievements that Enthusiast Gaming anticipates or expects may or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" (or other variations of the forgoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and the expected impact of the Acquisition. Readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Material forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the effects of the Acquisition on the Company, including the growth of the audience of the Company's media properties, enhancements to revenue, other benefits and synergies resulting from the Acquisition, and the timing and terms of deferred payments to be made in accordance with the definitive acquisition agreement.
本新聞稿包含根據適用的證券法可能構成前瞻性信息的某些陳述。除歷史事實外,所有涉及Ensisiast Gaming預期或預期在未來可能或將(全部或部分)發生的活動、事件、結果、結果、發展、業績或成就的陳述均應被視為前瞻性信息。前瞻性信息常常可以通過使用諸如“計劃”、“預期”、“預計”、“預算”、“預定”、“估計”、“預測”、“打算”、“預期”或“相信”或這些詞語和短語的變體(包括否定變體)或以將來時態構成的陳述或表示某些行動、事件或結果“可能”、“可能”、“將”、“可能”或“將”(或前述的其他變體)來識別,但並不總是如此,這樣的信息往往可以通過使用諸如“計劃”、“預期”、“預期”、“預計”、“預計”、“預測”、“打算”、“預期”或“相信”等詞語或這些詞語的變體(包括否定變體)來識別。發生、實現或實現。本文提供前瞻性陳述,旨在介紹有關管理層目前的預期和收購的預期影響的信息。提醒讀者,這樣的聲明可能不適用於其他目的。本新聞稿中的重大前瞻性陳述包括但不限於有關收購對公司的影響的陳述,包括公司媒體資產受眾的增長、收入的增加、收購帶來的其他好處和協同效應,以及根據最終收購協議將支付的延期付款的時間和條款。