Affiliate Announcements
Catena Media acquires all affiliate related assets in Baybets Ltd
Catena Media acquires all affiliate related assets in Baybets Ltd (“Baybets”), one of Europe’s leading affiliate marketing players in the sports betting segment, with a total of 50 websites, primarily focused on the German market.
The purchase price amounts to an upfront payment of EUR 26.5 million together with earn-out payments in the maximum amount of EUR 63.5 million, based on the performance of the acquired assets over a period of 24 months from the 1st of December 2017. The acquisition is expected to generate quarterly sales of approximately EUR 2.25 million with an operating margin of approximately 70 percent.
Through the acquisition of all affiliate related assets in Baybets, Catena Media will strengthen its offering within the sports betting segment and the very important German market. The integration of Baybets into Catena Media will commence immediately following completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur in mid-December 2017 (subject to certain customary conditions being fulfilled, such as the acquired assets being duly transferred to Catena Media). In addition to 50 websites and other affiliate related assets, the acquisition also includes a current team of 23 employees who will form part of Catena Media’s Sports division, based at its offices in Malta.
“We are proud to announce the largest acquisition made by Catena Media since company inception, making us one of the strongest sports betting affiliate players on the market. We have set ambitious financial targets for the company, and the acquisition is fully in line with those targets. We are excited about being able to complete this deal, given the upcoming sports year of 2018, which will have both the Winter Olympics and the World Cup”, says Henrik Persson Ekdahl, Acting CEO, Catena Media.
“I would like to thank all the people that have been involved in the company’s journey so far, bringing us to where we are today. We now look forward reaching new heights together with Catena Media on a long-term basis, both from an operational perspective and as shareholders. We are excited for all the upcoming opportunities that await”, says Jan Steffen, CEO, Baybets.
The initial purchase price, payable at closing of the transaction, amounts to an upfront payment of EUR 26.5 million of which EUR 13.25 million will be paid with newly issued shares in Catena Media and the remainder in cash. The shares will be issued at market value, calculated as the volume-weighted average price for Catena Media’s shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during a period of 30 trading days measured in connection with the signing date. The shares will be subject to a lock-up period of 24 months.
In addition to the initial purchase price, the seller may receive two earn-out payments based on the performance of the acquired assets over a period of 24 months from the 1stof December 2017. Catena Media may choose to pay any earn-outs in cash or in newly issued shares in the company. Any new shares issued will be issued at market value, calculated as the volume-weighted average price for Catena Media’s shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during a period of 30 trading days measured in connection with the relevant payment date.
The maximum amount of the first earn-out payment is EUR 20.0 million and is payable 45 business days after the 30th of November 2018. If paid in shares, a lock-up period of 12 months apply.
The maximum amount of the second earn-out payment is EUR 43.50 million and is payable 45 business days after the 30thof November 2019. If paid in shares, a lock-up period of 6 months apply.
In a reasonably expected scenario, the total cost of the acquisition would be approximately EUR 57.0 million, i.e. the upfront payment of EUR 26.5 million and earn-out payments in the total amount of EUR 30.5 million. In this scenario the acquired assets of Baybets needs to generate revenue growth of above 40 percent per year during the earn-out period of 24 months.
About Baybets:
Being one of the leading actors in lead generation, Baybets’ core business is developing and maintaining comparison sites for the iGaming industry by driving traffic through high quality content and offers. Baybets’ portfolio includes sites such as sportwetten.org and sportwette.net, and the business is concentrated on the German-speaking (DACH) markets. The team consists of 23 employees based in Malta.
About Catena Media:
Catena Media plc is an online performance marketing company that has established a leading position through strong organic growth and acquisitions. The business was started in 2012 and the group has approximately 245 employees in the US, Australia, Japan, Serbia, UK, and Malta, where the Head Office is situated. In 2016, revenues reached approximately EUR 40 million. The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm Mid Cap.
Affiliate Announcements
711 Renews its Partnership with NetRefer as its Affiliate Marketing Platform Provider
Leading Dutch online casino 711 has renewed its partnership with NetRefer, a data-driven, AI-powered, affiliate marketing platform provider engineered for the iGaming industry.
The family business, started as Carousel Casino Games and founded in 1994 in Belgium, began as a land-based casino chain before expanding into an online casino in 2012. A decade later, in 2022, they entered the Dutch online gaming market as 711 BV, with NetRefer as their Affiliate Marketing partner.
Despite being a new operator, 711 brings over 30 years of experience in the Belgian gaming market and, in two years, has expanded its portfolio, partnering with major game providers like Pragmatic Play and Evolution.
With a diverse game selection that follows the latest gaming trends, attractive promotions, high winning odds, and fast payouts, 711 prioritises player satisfaction and delivers a seamless gaming experience.
They pride themselves on operating under strict regulations and undergo regular external audits to ensure a secure player experience. They emphasise responsible gaming, offering tools and information for player well-being.
Johan Mostert, Affiliate Manager at 711, stated: “NetRefer is known for its innovation and forward-thinking. Their comprehensive, customisable platform – through impressive add-ons – has streamlined our affiliate marketing, making the past two years an excellent partnership. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
Amanda Camenzuli, NetRefer’s Manager of Account Management, shared: “711 is a dynamic operator in the Dutch market, and their attitude, enthusiasm, and work ethic make this renewal both exciting and rewarding. We at NetRefer look forward to what’s to come in this continued partnership.”
Affiliate Announcements
VERSUS Renews its Partnership with NetRefer as its Affiliate Marketing Platform Provider
VERSUS, a leading online casino and sportsbook operator in the Spanish iGaming market, has renewed its partnership with NetRefer, a top provider of affiliate marketing solutions for the iGaming industry.
Founded in 2019 as a rebrand of VivelaSuerte by Spanish leisure and entertainment giant Grupo Orenes, VERSUS has quickly become synonymous with premium online gambling experiences in Spain. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and a user-centric platform, VERSUS has secured its position as a major player in the European iGaming landscape.
Since its launch, VERSUS has expanded substantially, adding Yaass Casino to its portfolio, which aims to become the #1 Online Supercasino in Spain. With a license from Spain’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ), VERSUS operates across Spain and Mexico, with plans to expand into Brazil and Portugal in the next few months.
To deliver a unique and personalised betting experience, both VERSUS and Yaass Casino offer a wide range of customised promotions and bonuses, tailored to match players’ individual preferences and keep them engaged and rewarded.
With a strong commitment to mobile-first optimisation, users enjoy a seamless experience across all devices. Both brands provide dedicated apps that allow players to access sports betting, online casino games, and live betting options anytime, anywhere.
Customer service is a priority for both brands, with a professional support team ready to assist players with all types of questions and concerns. Responsible gaming is also central to the company’s policy; to support players facing gambling-related challenges, VERSUS provides resources, including a dedicated Responsible Gaming Test.
Miguel Albert García, Affiliate Manager at VERSUS, shared insights on the company’s approach to partnerships: “In just five years, VERSUS has experienced significant growth, thanks in large part to the partnerships we’ve built along the way. We’re excited to see where our journey with NetRefer will take both VERSUS and Yaass Casino.”
NetRefer’s CEO, Dexter Cutajar, expressed similar optimism: “Over the past four years, the relationship between VERSUS and NetRefer has been exceptionally rewarding, and we’re thrilled to have them renew their partnership with us. We’re equally pleased that VERSUS has chosen NetRefer for its second brand, Yaass Casino. We’re confident that our continued partnership will bring exciting opportunities for both companies in the years ahead.”
Affiliate tracking platform’s Odds Betting Banner Creation Tool allows publishers to create branded banners including real-time information and odds
RavenTrack, the fastest-growing affiliate tracking platform developed specifically for the industry, has joined forces with StatsPlug to add yet another cutting-edge tool to its platform.
The partnership means RavenTrack can use StatsPlug’s data-driven technology to roll out a first-of-its-kind Odds Betting Banner Creation Tool.
Operators can offer this tool to their affiliate partners, allowing them to create branded banners across a host of sports that include real-time information and odds.
This helps affiliates to push fresh content to their audiences which in turn allows them to drive acquisition and increase retention and player value from existing customers.
Adam Rowley, Managing Director at RavenTrack, said: “We are thrilled to be able to utilise the power of StatsPlug’s technology to provide yet another unique service to our clients.
“Our goal at RavenTrack is to give the greatest opportunity for success, and we believe implemented forward-thinking products like our Banner Creation Tool do just that.”
Mathew Symmonds, Co-Founder at StatsPlug, added: “RavenTrack is the perfect partner for StatsPlug’s self-service banner creation software.
“This integration enables RavenTrack’s affiliates and clients to create dynamic, on-brand banners independently, saving time and costs while driving higher conversions with timely and engaging media.”
To mark the launch of the product, expected in Q1 2025, RavenTrack is offering a one-month free trial to all existing customers who can utilise the power of the Banner Creation tool.
The launch of the Banner Creation Tool further enhances the RavenTrack platform, which allows operators to track, optimise and grow their affiliate programs.
It is a proprietary solution designed specifically for iGaming and to meet the unique demands of the sector including withstanding the pace and complexity of affiliate marketing for online sports betting and casino.
RavenTrack is reliable, accurate and fast, and has a seamless UX so operators don’t miss a single click or conversion and can easily dig into data and generate valuable insights.
Where RavenTrack really stands out is its reporting, with 20+ templates offering high levels of customisation and super granular levels of insight.
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