Allied Esports Entertainment Completes Sale of World Poker Tour® to Element Partners, LLC

Rhea-AI Summary

Allied Esports Entertainment (NASDAQ: AESE) announced the sale of the World Poker Tour (WPT) to Element Partners for $105 million. This sale was approved by stockholders on July 1, 2021, and involves all entities operating the WPT's poker-related business. Following this transaction, AESE will concentrate on expanding its esports business with additional cash resources from the sale. CEO Frank Ng emphasized this as a significant opportunity for growth and innovation.

Positive

• Completion of the sale of World Poker Tour for $105 million.
• Focus on growing the esports business post-sale.

Negative

• None.

Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AESE) (the “Company”), a global esports entertainment company, today announced the completion of the sale of the entities comprising the World Poker Tour®, to Element Partners, LLC. The transaction was approved at a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders on July 1, 2021.

As previously announced, the purchase price of the transaction totaled $105 million and included 100% of the outstanding capital stock of each of the legal entities that collectively operated or engaged in the Company’s poker-related business and assets.

“This is a momentous day for AESE and an opportunity to focus on growing the business in exciting and innovative ways,” said Frank Ng, CEO of Allied Esports Entertainment. “Congratulations to Adam Pliska and his entire team at World Poker Tour as they too move into a new, successful chapter.”

Following the completion of the WPT Business transaction, the Company is comprised of its esports business, Allied Esports, and cash resources from the sale.

About Allied Esports Entertainment

Allied Esports Entertainment (NASDAQ: AESE) is a global esports entertainment venture dedicated to providing transformative live experiences, multiplatform content and interactive services to audiences worldwide. For more information, visit alliedesports.gg.

About World Poker Tour

World Poker Tour (WPT) is the premier name in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online, and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments. WPT has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and is currently producing its 18th season, which airs on FOX Sports Regional Networks in the United States. Season XVIII of WPT is sponsored by ClubWPT.com. ClubWPT.com is a unique online membership site that offers inside access to the WPT, as well as a sweepstakes-based poker club available in 43 states and territories across the United States, Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, go to WPT.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may relate to future results, strategy and plans of Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. and the World Poker Tour (collectively, the "Companies") (including certain projections and business trends, and statements, which may be identified by the use of the words "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "estimated", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "projects", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved"). Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Companies as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, each Company’s respective revenues and operating performance, general economic conditions, industry trends, legislation or regulatory requirements affecting the business in which it is engaged, management of growth, its business strategy and plans, the result of future financing efforts and its dependence on key personnel, and the ability to retain key personnel. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and no Company undertakes any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210712005761/en/

FAQ

What was the sale price of the World Poker Tour by Allied Esports Entertainment?

The World Poker Tour was sold for $105 million.

When was the sale of the World Poker Tour approved?

The sale was approved on July 1, 2021.

What will Allied Esports Entertainment focus on after the WPT sale?

After the sale, AESE will focus on expanding its esports business.

Who purchased the World Poker Tour from Allied Esports Entertainment?

Element Partners, LLC purchased the World Poker Tour.

What significant change occurred at Allied Esports Entertainment due to the WPT sale?

AESE transitioned to focus solely on its esports business and cash resources from the sale.