The transaction will fuel the expansion of the disruptive company, which includes leading brands LiveScore, LiveScore Bet and Virgin Bet. LiveScore Group is a fast-growing company that has gained significant market share in highly competitive markets, it said. This, he said, has been achieved through diversified customer acquisition with tailored gaming integrations across the LiveScore brands.
Ringier Sports Media Group, he said, has a dynamic portfolio of innovative businesses that will change the way audiences around the world experience and participate in sports. The strategic investment in LiveScore Group will particularly accelerate growth in the key regions of Central and Eastern Europe, where Ringier already has strong sports media.
Stilian Shishkov will represent Ringier AG on the Board of Directors of LiveScore Group. Shishkov is Senior Partner of Ringier Sports Media Group and also founder and CEO of Sportal Media Group in Bulgaria, which is owned by Ringier AG.
Ringier AG's investment comes after the LiveScore Group has delivered consistent, outstanding performance in the three years since its inception. LiveScore Group was founded in 2019 by former Gamesys CEO and co-founder Noel Hayden. It is led by Sam Sadi, who has been in the industry for many years.
Sam Sadi, CEO of LiveScore Group: "Today is significant for LiveScore Group. Following Ringier's £50 million strategic investment, our business, which is now valued at £500 million, will take a significant step forward. Ringier, with its Sports Media Group, is the perfect partner for us to accelerate our expansion into Central and Eastern European countries, as it already has great expertise here, as well as key assets and a corresponding network."
Noel Hayden, Chairman of LiveScore Group: "I am delighted that today two of the most innovative sports and media companies are entering into a new business relationship that will transform the market. This is a great breakthrough moment for LiveScore Group, which will allow us to work with Ringier to maximize strategic opportunities and deliver better experiences and therefore value to sports fans around the world."
Marc Walder, CEO of Ringier AG: "From providing real-time sports scores and free-to-air live streams to millions of users worldwide, to offering the most innovative and trusted sports betting opportunities, LiveScore Group has proven that it is already a true industry leader, making it a fantastic business partner for Ringier. Together, we aim to improve and enhance the enjoyment of sports through innovative products and engaging experiences under the operational management of Ringier Sports Media Group. With the support of LiveScore Group, we will better understand how people think about sports and what it means to them. Our vision is to ignite fans' passion for sports."
Robin Lingg, Chairman of the Board of Ringier Sports Media Group: "Sports Media is THE place where sports enthusiasts, athletes and advertisers meet. In the first three months since its founding, Ringier Sports Media Group has worked diligently to deliver on its founding promise to unite the leading digital sports media brands under its umbrella. The participation in LiveScore Group is another decisive step to develop innovative products based on common technologies in the future and to benefit from the exchange of know-how. The fact that a leading company like LiveScore Group has agreed to work closely with us in a strategic partnership is a real confirmation of the Ringier Sports Media vision."
The Ringier Sports Media Group comprises the sports media brands of Sportal Media Group as well as Digital Ventures OOD in Bulgaria, Gazeta Sporturilor in Romania, Sportal.rs in Serbia, and Pulse in Africa. The Group's portfolio will again expand significantly in the coming months, on the one hand through mergers and acquisitions, and on the other through the launch of new products.
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