Affiliate Announcements
Catena Media strengthens its sports betting and media offering through the acquisition of assets in Online Media
Catena Media takes another step towards true global leadership and the position as the fastest growing company within lead generation through the acquisition of certain assets in Online Media (UK) Ltd.
Online Media is a UK based fast-growing sports betting affiliate with a strong position within alternative display marketing. By acquiring assets in Online Media, Catena Media adds another market channel to its customer offering and additional strength to the Paid Media segment. The acquisition includes, among other, the domain names Bets.co.uk, Bonuses.co.uk and iGamble.co.uk and certain thereto related assets.
The purchase price for the assets amounts to an upfront payment of GBP 11.65 million which shall be paid as a cash consideration no later than on May 25, 2017, in conjunction with the transfer of the assets. In addition, there is an earn-out of maximum GBP 5.77 million, which is based on the revenue performance of the acquired assets over a period of one year from the closing date, i.e. May 25, 2017. To achieve the full earn out amount, the sellers need to generate revenue growth in excess of 75% during this period.
The acquired assets have a running rate of sales of about EUR 300 000 per month and a pre-tax profit margin of more than 70%.
Approximately 80% of the revenues are generated from regulated markets and about 90% of the revenues stems from revenue share contracts. Online Media specializes in horse racing and football, and most business derives from the UK market.
“We work continuously to identify attractive acquisition prospects that complement and strengthen our portfolio. The acquired assets in Online Media will strengthen the sports betting offering and broaden the existing media offering to customers by adding alternative display marketing. The transaction will also further strengthen our position in the UK”, says Robert Andersson, CEO of Catena Media.
“We are now taking the next step in our development as part of Catena Media. We believe that this is the right time for us, as together we will be able to provide an even more powerful platform for growth”, says Paul Speakman of Online Media (UK) Ltd.
Affiliate Announcements
QMRA Launches Italian Quality Mark for Affiliates
QMRA is a Compliance Quality Mark for iGaming Affiliates, launched by XY Legal Solutions B.V. (XYLS). XYLS launched a Dutch Quality Mark, KVA (https://kva.nl/), in September 2021, now working with numerous operators (LeoVegas, ComeOn, 711, TonyBet, Hard Rock Casino) and 90+ members.
In February 2024, QMRA was launched. Affiliates from the following markets were able to apply for the Quality Mark: Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, USA Michigan, The UK, Ontario and Estonia. As of today, Italian affiliates will be able to join QMRA as well. Applicants will receive:
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- A Compliance Report, containing compliance feedback if needed, in certain cases usable for obtaining a Meta Ads License;
- A specific Online Certificate about the member website, explaining its compliance (https://qmra.eu/members/affiliates/);
- Possibility to consult the QMRA team on compliance related questions.
Several joined since launch, representing all available markets so far. Among joining companies were Leadstar, ADM Group, BetFans, Game Lounge and Gentoo. Game Lounge and Gentoo decided to make QMRA official company policy. Sitebee, a Gentoo launched Compliance Tool, announced an official partnership with QMRA on legal support last week.
Affiliate Announcements
Registration opens as ‘Nuevos Horizontes’ unveiled as creative theme for Barcelona-bound iGB Affiliate
As registration opens for iGB Affiliate, ‘Nuevos Horizontes’ (New Horizons) has been unveiled as the creative theme driving the international marketing campaign in support of the 2025 edition which will be the first to take place at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona alongside sister show ICE.
Explaining the thinking behind the creative Naomi Barton, iGB Events’ Global Portfolio Director said: “The iGaming industry is continually evolving, and our 2025 campaign invites affiliates to explore new horizons at our exciting new venue, Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.
“iGB Affiliate is the home of the igaming affiliate community, and it enables connection, growth and shared business success for our audience of affiliates, operators and tech vendors. This campaign will drive our community into uncharted territory, sparking a spirit of exploration that embraces emerging markets, innovative strategies, and untapped commercial opportunities. It equips affiliates with the tools and insights needed to adapt, innovate, and conquer new horizons.”
She added: “With our move to Barcelona we’re setting our sights on an incredibly bright future. The additional space at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, which is among the largest exhibition venues in Europe, will enable iGB Affiliate to achieve its full potential and continue to connect the best affiliates with the best operators and tech vendors.
“The 2025 edition of the show is set to feature a record 250 exhibitors and sponsors, occupying 15,000 sqm of space. The enhanced facilities in Barcelona will empower the affiliate community to forge new igaming connections, build strategic and trusted partnerships, expand their networks, and explore uncharted territories.”
Affiliate Announcements
Gentoo Media extends partnership with Betsson Group for automated brand protection tool GiG Comply
Gentoo Media is pleased to announce that the partnership with Betsson Group Affiliates (BGA) for GiG Comply has been extended for another year. The agreement marks the fifth consecutive year that Betsson will continue to use Gentoo Media’s automated compliance and brand protection tool, GiG Comply.
The extended partnership between Betsson and GiG Comply, further strengthens the ongoing collaboration between the two companies, ensuring that Betsson continues to uphold the highest standards of regulatory compliance across its extensive brand portfolio. GiG Comply’s comprehensive monitoring tool gives Betsson Group Affiliates the necessary means to ensure that their marketing efforts remain compliant, and meet regulatory demands across various markets.
Rasmus Bank Nielsen, Head of GiG Comply said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Betsson Group, one of the industry’s leading operators. The renewal of our agreement, for a fifth consecutive year, underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and the effectiveness of GiG Comply. We look forward to continuing to support Betsson in maintaining the highest standards of compliance in their marketing efforts”.
Shakyra Jonsson, Senior Affiliate Operations & Events Manager at Betsson Group Affiliates, added:
“We are pleased to extend our partnership with GiG Comply for a fifth consecutive year. As a company committed to maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance, it is crucial that we continue using tools like GiG Comply to ensure that our affiliate marketing efforts align with the diverse regulations across the markets we operate in. This partnership reaffirms our dedication to safeguarding our brand while remaining compliant in a rapidly evolving industry.”