Esports Entertainment Group Finalizes Binding Agreement to Acquire Helix eSports and ggCircuit

Rhea-AI Summary

Esports Entertainment Group (NasdaqCM: GMBL, GMBLW) has finalized its acquisition of Helix eSports and ggCircuit for $43 million, split equally between cash and shares. The deal, expected to close in 2Q21, aims to enhance its offerings by integrating advanced esports entertainment centers and a robust software platform. Helix operates five esports locations and owns Genji Analytics, a data-driven analytics provider. ggCircuit connects over 1,000 gaming centers with its software solutions. This strategic acquisition is designed to elevate the company's position in the esports ecosystem.

Positive

• Acquisition valued at $43 million, enhancing asset diversification.
• Integration of Helix's esports centers expands physical presence in the market.
• ggCircuit's software enhances operational capabilities with over 1,000 connected locations.
• Genji Analytics adds advanced analytics capabilities for competitive gaming.

Negative

• None.

NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Esports Entertainment Group, Inc. (NasdaqCM: GMBL, GMBLW) (or the “Company”), an esports entertainment and online gambling operator, today announced it has finalized the binding agreement for its previously announced Helix eSports and ggCircuit acquisition. Under the terms of the agreement, the $43 mil transaction will be split 50% cash and 50% GMBL shares, priced upon the closing of the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in 2Q21.

“With the acquisition of Helix and ggCircuit, we have created the most diversified, US-listed esports entertainment asset in the entire ecosystem,” stated Grant Johnson, CEO of Esports Entertainment Group. “These acquisitions significantly strengthen our Play, Watch, Bet Strategy, adding state-of-the-art esports entertainment centers, an esports-focused vertical enterprise software business, a best-in-class esports analytics platform, and a player-vs-player skill-based wagering platform to our diversified asset base. Together with what we’ve already built, Esports Entertainment Group has unparalleled scale and we are on our way to becoming a global industry leader.”

ggCircuit is a B2B software company that provides cloud-based management for LAN centers, a tournament platform, and integrated wallet/point-of-sale solutions for enterprise customers. ggCircuit has over 1,000 connected locations and has worked with enterprises such as GameStop, Dell, Best Buy and Lenovo as well as universities such as Ohio State, Syracuse and North Carolina. Their ggLeap product has over 60 million hours of usage by over two million unique gamers on tens of thousands of public gaming screens inside centers worldwide.

Helix eSports owns five esports centers, including two of the five largest centers in the US, where they deliver world-class customer service, esports programming and gaming infrastructure. Helix offers a variety of experiences including casual play, competitive tournaments, STEM programming, high school leagues, large groups and esports bootcamps all with the goal of leveling the playing field in esports and providing equitable access to technology. Their centers have become the destination for social and competitive gamers alike with monthly tournaments and unique experiences.

Helix also owns Genji Analytics (“Genji”), an esports-proven, publisher-trusted analytics provider. Using sophisticated computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning tools, Genji delivers cutting-edge broadcast optimization and talent scouting analytics. Genji works with leading esports publishers and sports leagues, such as FIFA and the NBA 2K League, to power activities like combines, drafts and data-driven business decisions. Genji has also launched products into Helix eSports Centers that create customized tournament experiences, leveraging both idle computing capacity and unique proprietary data sources. Revenue streams include platform sales to publishers and leagues with plans to expand to all competitive players looking to enhance their gameplay through analysis, fair competition, and roster optimization.

The acquisition also includes LANduel, Helix’s proprietary player-vs-player wagering platform, built in Unity, that allows for skill-based wagering on third-party video games. LANduel’s consumer facing application enforces strict four-factor authentication to ensure fair play and ID verification. LANduel also holds close relationships with several major game publishers to ensure events and wagering follow community guidelines. LANduel is currently working alongside the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement on a pilot program. Once the model is proven at the Helix eSports locations, LANduel can easily be scaled to other centers throughout the US across the ggCircuit network, and eventually into the homes of gamers through ggCircuit’s proprietary at home product suite.

About Esports Entertainment Group
Esports Entertainment Group, Inc. is an esports and online gambling company. The Company operates a number of entities across three key pillars: 1) esports entertainment and infrastructure, 2) esports wagering, 3) iGaming. The Company maintains offices in New Jersey, the UK and Malta. For more information visit www.esportsentertainmentgroup.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. The safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 protects companies from liability for their forward-looking statements if they comply with the requirements of the Act.

Contact:

U.S. Investor Relations 
RedChip Companies, Inc.
Dave Gentry
407-491-4498
dave@redchip.com

Media & Investor Relations Inquiries
Jeff@esportsentertainmentgroup.com

FAQ

What is the acquisition value of Helix eSports and ggCircuit by Esports Entertainment Group?

The acquisition is valued at $43 million, split 50% cash and 50% in GMBL shares.

When is the acquisition of Helix eSports and ggCircuit expected to close?

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.

What strategic advantages does Esports Entertainment Group gain from the acquisition?

The acquisition enhances asset diversification, expands physical presence, and integrates advanced analytics capabilities.

How does ggCircuit contribute to Esports Entertainment Group's business model?

ggCircuit provides cloud-based management and software solutions for gaming centers, enhancing operational capabilities.

What operational role does Genji Analytics play in the acquisition?

Genji Analytics offers advanced analytics and optimization services, essential for data-driven decision-making in esports.