SMC Entertainment Closes Acquisition of Boutique Investment Manager, Bateau Asset Management, Providing Entry to Australian and Southeast Asian Financial Services Markets

Rhea-AI Summary

SMC Entertainment (OTC PINK: SMCE) has completed the acquisition of Bateau Asset Management, an Australia-based boutique investment manager, marking its entry into the Southeast Asian financial services market. The transaction involves SMC acquiring 100% of Bateau in exchange for 14,000,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock and $2,000,000 in convertible promissory notes.

Bateau, established in 2016, specializes in absolute-return investment strategies through a multi-manager approach. The company provides investment research and education services, focusing on creating comprehensible absolute return portfolios for its high-net-worth clientele. This acquisition brings to SMC an experienced global client services team based in Australia and Singapore, along with research and advisory capabilities that complement SMC's Fintech platform.

Positive

• Acquisition provides immediate entry into Southeast Asian financial markets
• Gains established high-net-worth client base
• Acquires experienced global client services team in Australia and Singapore
• Adds complementary research and advisory capabilities to existing Fintech platform

Negative

• Issuance of 14,000,000 Series C Preferred Stock may lead to potential shareholder dilution
• $2,000,000 in convertible promissory notes increases debt obligations

Bateau Asset Management brings to SMC Entertainment:

• Foundational acquisition into International Financial Services Sector
• Well-established client base of high-net-worth individuals
• Experienced global client services team based in Australia and Singapore
• Research and advisory capabilities complementary to SMC Entertainment’s Fintech platform
  

BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SMC Entertainment, Inc. ("SMC" or the "Company") (OTC PINK: SMCE), a Fintech incubator company focused on acquisition and support of commercialized financial services and technology (Fintech) companies, is pleased to announce that it has closed the Acquisition Agreement to acquire a 100% interest in Australia-based Bateau Asset Management, a boutique investment manager (“Bateau”). The acquisition will provide SMC with an initial presence in the Southeast Asia Fintech market.

Since 2016, Bateau has offered an absolute-return investment philosophy delivered by a multi-manager approach to investing. Services include investment research and education with the objective of providing clients with rigorously constructed absolute return portfolios that they can understand.

As further detailed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, under the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, SMC has acquired 100% of Bateau in exchange for the issuance of 14,000,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock and $2,000,000 in convertible promissory notes.

About Bateau Asset Management:
Bateau Asset Management is a boutique investment manager founded in 2016 based in Australia with offices in Singapore. Bateau follows an absolute-return investment philosophy and a multi-manager approach to investing. To learn more, go to www.bateauam.com.au.

About SMC Entertainment, Inc.:
SMC is a versatile holding company focused on acquisition and support of proven commercialized financial services and technology (Fintech) companies. SMC's multi-discipline growth by acquisition approach is to enhance revenues and shareholder equity. For more information on SMC, visit www.smceinc.com.

Press Release Contact:

Erik Blum
Chief Executive Officer
SMC Entertainment, Inc.
360-820-5973

Safe Harbor Statement

Some of the statements in this press release may be forward-looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions, future market conditions, unusual catastrophic loss events, changes in the capital markets, and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. The Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or updated status of such forward-looking statements or information provided by any third-party. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will the Company and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or any related damages.

FAQ

What is the acquisition cost for Bateau Asset Management by SMCE?

SMC Entertainment acquired Bateau Asset Management for 14,000,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock and $2,000,000 in convertible promissory notes.

What markets does SMCE gain access to through the Bateau acquisition?

Through this acquisition, SMCE gains access to the Australian and Southeast Asian financial services markets.

What services does Bateau Asset Management provide to SMCE's portfolio?

Bateau provides absolute-return investment management, investment research and education services, with a multi-manager approach to investing for high-net-worth clients.

When was Bateau Asset Management established before SMCE's acquisition?

Bateau Asset Management was established in 2016, offering absolute-return investment philosophy through a multi-manager approach.

Where are Bateau's client service teams located after SMCE's acquisition?

Bateau's global client service teams are based in Australia and Singapore.