ESE Announces Acquisition of Gaming Technology Company with $24M in Revenue, GameAddik

Rhea-AI Summary

ESE Entertainment Inc. (OTCQB: ENTEF) has entered a share purchase agreement to acquire GameAddik, a Canadian gaming technology firm. This acquisition aims to enhance ESE’s esports business by integrating GameAddik's proprietary technology and expanding its client base, which includes major video game developers. In fiscal 2020, GameAddik generated $24 million in revenue and $4.7 million in income from operations. The deal involves cash payments totaling $4.8 million and the issuance of 7,377,143 ESE shares, with potential repurchase rights tied to revenue milestones.

Positive

• GameAddik generated $24 million in revenue and $4.7 million in income from operations in fiscal 2020.
• Acquisition strengthens ESE's client base with access to top video game developers.
• GameAddik's technology enhances user acquisition and retention for ESE's game portfolio.
• Acquisition aligns with ESE's strategic priorities to increase revenue and profitability.
• Potential expansion into the iGaming sector through GameAddik's technology.

Negative

• Transaction involves a significant cash outlay of $4.8 million, potentially impacting liquidity.
• Issuance of 7,377,143 common shares may lead to shareholder dilution.

Acquisition to Add New Technology to ESE’s Global 360 Esports Business

• Transaction anticipated to strengthen ESE’s position in esports and gaming, adding GameAddik’s existing client base to ESE’s. Clients include some of the largest video game developers in the world.
• In fiscal 2020, GameAddik generated Revenue of $24.0 million and Income from Operations of $4.7 million (unaudited).
• Acquisition will deliver on core strategic priorities of (i) increasing revenue and profitability, (ii) expanding tier-1 client base, (iii) strengthening technology stack, (iv) expanding operational geography, (v) adding experienced executives to ESE’s management, and (vi) increasing platform scalability through unique and high value business offerings.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ESE Entertainment Inc. (“we”, “ESE”, or the “Company”) (TSXV: ESE) (OTCQB: ENTEF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a share purchase agreement (the “SPA”) to acquire 9327-7358 Quebec Inc. DBA GameAddik (“GameAddik”), a Canadian technology company focused on gaming and esports (the “Acquisition”). GameAddik has demonstrated consistent revenue growth and profitability based on unaudited historical financials. GameAddik operates in Quebec, Canada, and works with some of the world’s most recognized gaming publishers.

GameAddik Business
GameAddik is a technology company focused on the video game industry. The company creates and executes its performance model technology software to generate users and increase the reach of games for its customers, which are primarily video game developers. GameAddik, through its wholly owned brand PWN Games, is considered one of the top CPA (cost-per acquisition) networks for gaming by gamesight.io.

Key Transaction Highlights:

• Revenue and EBITDA Growth: GameAddik produced revenue of $24.0 million and Income from Operations of $4.7 million during fiscal 2020 (unaudited).
• Adds New Technology and Capabilities: GameAddik has proprietary technology and systems that are specifically tailored to help video game developers reach more users.
• High-Value Customer Base: GameAddik has a diversified and high value customer base that includes some of the largest video game developers on the market today.
• Ability to Deliver Results: GameAddik reaches 30 million qualified gaming users monthly through their publisher network, enabling the company to register over 300,000 new high-value players every month for its customers.
• Opportunity to Enter iGaming: The technology provided by GameAddik is anticipated to be directly applicable to the iGaming industry, which ESE may seek to enter.
• Strong Alignment with Existing Management and Team: Transaction price will be paid primarily through ESE shares that will vest over a three-year period, incentivizing teams.
• Proven Executive Team: Transaction to bring existing executive and management team from GameAddik, which has a demonstrated track record of success in the gaming and technology industries.

Konrad Wasiela, CEO of ESE, commented, “The acquisition of GameAddik is directly aligned with the ESE’s vision and corporate culture. It sends a clear message that we are accelerating our growth strategy globally and continuing to make strategic acquisitions. The financial performance of GameAddik highlights its world-class executive team’s ability to build and scale as a profitable technology company. Through the addition of GameAddik’s IP and technologies, we have confidence that this Transaction will supercharge our existing business and take it to the next level. This will be a transformational acquisition for ESE.”

Eric Jodoin, CEO of GameAddik, commented, “The GameAddik team is very pleased to join ESE as the new gaming technology unit of the group. Using our specialized expertise in technology and large-scale user acquisition campaigns, GameAddik will be able to power up every asset in the ESE portfolio with enhanced audience reach and monetization capabilities. ESE’s solid presence in the fast-growing esports market is anticipated to bring a whole new set of growth opportunities to GameAddik. We believe the synergies are clear, and this Transaction will affirm our position as one of the leading companies in the gaming industry. With both organizations sharing the same great values and already aligned on a clear vision of the future, we believe the execution of this agreement will be a major catalyst for the success of ESE and GameAddik.”

Transaction Terms

Pursuant to the SPA, ESE will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding securities in the capital of GameAddik in exchange for (i) $2,061,000 in cash to be paid on closing or within five (5) days of closing, (ii) $2,751,000 in cash to be paid six (6) months from closing, subject to adjustment based on the working capital of GameAddik on closing and (iii) 7,377,143 common shares of ESE (the “Consideration Shares”). The Company will have the right to repurchase 5,848,163 of the Consideration Shares for nominal consideration if certain revenue milestones are not met by GameAddik for its 2022 to 2024 fiscal years. Following the Acquisition, GameAddik’s key personnel will continue to operate GameAddik’s business.

Completion of the Acquisition remains subject to, among other things, TSX Venture Exchange approval.

About GameAddik
GameAddik is a technology company focused on the video game industry. The company creates and executes its performance model technology software to generate users and increase the reach of games for its customers, which are primarily video game developers. GameAddik, through its wholly owned brand PWN Games, is considered one of the top CPA (cost-per acquisition) networks for gaming by gamesight.io. | http://www.gameaddik.com

About ESE
ESE is a Europe based entertainment and technology company focused on gaming, particularly on esports. The Company provides a range of services to leading video game developers, publishers, and brands by providing technology, infrastructure, and fan engagement services internationally. ESE also operates its own ecommerce channels, esports teams, and gaming leagues. In addition to the Company’s organic growth opportunities, the Company is considering selective acquisitions that align with its objective of becoming a dominant global player in esports technology and infrastructure. | www.esegaming.com

Forward-Looking Statements
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 ESE anticipates or expects may or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking information. Such information may involve, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the likelihood of and timeline for completing the Acquisition; (ii) the expected benefits of the Acquisition for ESE, including applicability of GameAddik’s platform to the iGaming industry and synergies between GameAddik’s and ESE’s management teams; (iii) the attributes and results of GameAddik’s technology and offerings; (iv) the expectation that the Acquisition will supercharge and power up ESE’s existing business and portfolio, take it to the next level and be a transformational acquisition; (v) ESE’s ability to bring new avenues of growth to GameAddik and affirm its position as one of the leading performance marketing agency in the video games industry; and (vi) TSX Venture Exchange approval of the Acquisition. 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 information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of ESE to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to ESE, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs regarding future growth, results of operations, future capital (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof) and expenditures. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Trading in the securities of ESE should be considered highly speculative.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE ESE Entertainment Inc.
For further information about ESE, please contact:
Daniel Mogil, Investor Relations
investors@esegaming.com
647-492-1535

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/361584ef-5f7b-466e-b59c-9354da2d9fbd

FAQ

What is the purpose of ESE's acquisition of GameAddik?

The acquisition aims to enhance ESE's esports business and expand its technology capabilities.

What are the financials of GameAddik prior to the acquisition?

In fiscal 2020, GameAddik generated $24 million in revenue and $4.7 million in income from operations.

How will the acquisition affect ESE's stock ENTEF?

The acquisition could positively impact ESE’s stock by enhancing revenue growth and profitability, but it may also lead to shareholder dilution.

What are the key terms of the acquisition deal between ESE and GameAddik?

ESE will pay $4.8 million in cash and issue 7,377,143 shares, with specific rights to repurchase shares based on revenue milestones.

When is the acquisition of GameAddik expected to be completed?

Completion is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval and other regulatory conditions.