Affiliate Announcements
Acroud acquires Voonix, Matching Visions and Traffic Grid to strengthen its strategic position on the market
Acroud AB, has entered into an purchase agreement with the owners of Voonix ApS, Matching Visions Ltd. and Traffic Grid Ltd. to acquire 100 percent of the shares in the Target Companies for a consideration of EUR 4.8 million, plus an additional potential consideration based on EBT development in fiscal year 2022, on a cash- and debt- free basis. The consideration is paid in cash and in newly issued Acroud shares. The purchase agreement is based on Acroud’s signed letter of intent and previously communicated press release on 9 November 2020 regarding the acquisition of assets in PMG Group. The Target Companies are fast-growing companies mainly on the European market with the affiliate network Matching Visions and the performance marketing company Traffic Grid, but is also an industry leading SaaS service provider with Voonix. During 2020, the Target Companies generated net sales of approximately EUR 0.9 million and EUR 0.9 million in EBITDA. The Transaction is not subject to any further conditions and is completed as of 20 January 2021.
Background and rationale
The acquisition includes Matching Visions, an iGaming network with a premier position in Casino Affiliation in the European market, as well as the fast-growing Voonix, a software company that provides successful B2B software aimed at improving information and productivity for affiliates in various industries. Furthermore, the acquisition includes Traffic Grid, which is mainly focused on delivering marketing campaigns within iGaming to regular affiliate networks.
The acquisition of the Target Companies, together with the previously announced ongoing acquisitions, positions Acroud not only as a leading affiliate company in Casino, Sports Betting and Poker, but also as a B2B provider of iGaming marketing campaigns and software solutions for iGaming as well as for other affiliates industries. The acquisition is in line with the previously communicated new strategy and complements the previous acquisition focused on Sports Betting and Emerging Markets. With the acquisition, Acroud sees not only a strong financial growth driver but also significant synergies.
“This is another important piece of the puzzle in the implementation of Acroud’s strategy to become a fast-growing global challenger in digital comparison and news services. After the integration of the acquired assets, the focus will be on ‘operational excellence’ and on developing the new Acroud together with our new team and our new partners on an exciting journey forward” Robert Andersson, CEO and President, Acroud
Morten Marcussen, CEO of PMG, comments on the acquisition:
“We are convinced that the synergies and strategic benefits of this transaction will help push Acroud to the next level and give the company a unique position on the market. The product portfolio in the group becomes diversified and adapted for fast growth. Both parties and our teams share a vision that is easy to get behind. We are thrilled to be joining the ride”
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.”