2023年7月1日

2023年6月30日|由羅伯特·弗萊徹PointsBet控股股東以壓倒性多數投票讚成該出售其美國業務狂熱博彩(光纖光柵)。在投票開始召開臨時股東大會,今天(6月30日)。大約99.16%的選民批準出售,0.84%的人投票反對。PointsBet的董事會已經一致通過出售協議也建議股東投票支持的命題。股東批準允許出售過程轉移到下一階段。然而,無論是PointsBet還是光纖光柵設定完成日期的協議。上級建議體育零售巨頭狂熱者的一個部門,光纖光柵提出一種改進的建議價值225.0美元(£178.2 /€207.0)本周早些時候。光纖光柵與PointsBet已經達成協議,收購其美國業務5月以150.0美元不過,本月早些時候,DraftKings提交了一份更高的建議價值195.0美元。PointsBet表示,它將與DraftKings對它說“優越”的提議。在確認改進的光纖光柵,DraftKings宣布將不再尋求收購PointsBet我們。 FBG “thrilled” with vote outcome Responding to new of the vote, FBG said it was “thrilled” shareholders had opted to back the proposal. In a statement issued to iGB, an FBG spokesperson described it as a “pivotal” moment for the business. “We moved decisively to close the deal and we look forward to working with our friends at PointsBet to finalise the remaining acquisition details,” the spokesperson said. “This is a pivotal moment for FBG that will accelerate our growth in the legal online sports betting, advance deposit wagering and igaming markets in the US. “Pending regulatory approvals in the various states in which PointsBet operates, we will have more details to share in the coming weeks on how the acquisition of PointsBet US businesses will bring to life our unique vision for FBG.” Addressing uncertainty Ahead of today’s vote, PointsBet chairman Brett Paton addressed shareholders about why the decision to sell the US business. Paton said that while PointsBet had experienced strategic success in the US, the costs of competing against major brands meant the business would not be cash flow positive in the near term. “Continuing to operate the US business would require significant capital and further capital raises,” Paton said. “This transaction addresses that uncertainty. Having said that, many of the largest established brands with substantial databases have also struggled. One has spent around US$2.5bn on their online aspirations after starting with a strong brand and database and have only achieved mid-single digit market share. Other big spending online operators have gained less traction. Many have closed. “In the US, PointsBet has generally flexed all of our competitive strengths as a challenger business. In particular, we have used our technology to deliver a leading sports betting product experience. But our ability to get to scale and operate at sustainable scale was challenged. “We have been competing in a very high-cost operating market with the overlay of capital pressures to continue funding the business through to profitability.” Retained businesses Paton noted PointsBet would continue to have a presence in North America. The proposed sale agreement means PointsBet would retain both its Canadian and Australian businesses. In addition, PointsBet will retain ownership of its proprietary sports wagering and igaming platform. This is currently used in both the Australian and North American markets. “We will be granted a perpetual, royalty-free licence to use and further develop the Banach technology assets- including the underlying source code driving OddsFactory,” Paton said. “This will give us options in the future to exploit PointsBet’s proprietary sports wagering and igaming platform in other regions outside of the US and in the US beginning 18 months after completion of the proposed sale. “To summarise, the board believes that the proposed sale of the US business delivers the most attractive risk-adjusted value outcome for shareholders, compared to the risks and benefits of PointsBet pursuing other potential options including the status quo.” Topics: