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Golden Matrix Provides Corporate Update on Pending (MeridianBet) Acquisition
Golden Matrix Group, Inc., a developer, licensor and global operator of online gaming and eCommerce platforms, systems and gaming content, today provided a corporate update on its pending acquisition of MeridianBet Group, one of Southeast Europe’s leading business-to-consumer (B2C) sports betting and gaming groups, with headquarters in Malta, operating in multiple markets across Europe, Africa and Latin America.
As previously reported, on September 27, 2023, the Company and the owners of MeridianBet entered into a First Amendment to Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which GMGI had agreed to acquire the MeridianBet Group and its related companies. Among the various amendments to the prior agreement as set forth in the 1st amendment (as described in greater detail in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2023), the prior agreement was amended: 1) to extend the required closing date thereof; and 2) to modify financial closing terms of the previously announced definitive agreement.
The modification to the financial closing terms allows for the use of up to $20 million of cash-on-hand of MeridianBet Group to pay a portion of the $30 million cash payable by Golden Matrix at the closing of the transaction, to the extent approved in the sole discretion of the sellers.
Subsequently, on September 29, 2023, Golden Matrix filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, disclosing excerpts from certain presentations used by GMGI in connection with the funding sought by Golden Matrix to close the transaction.
“These recent filings reinforce the importance of this strategic acquisition, and demonstrate both companies’ willingness and ability to close the transaction,” said GMGI CEO, Anthony Brian Goodman, who continued, “The amendment allowing GMGI and the sellers to use up to $20 million of the MeridianBet Group’s cash-on-hand at closing (subject to the sole discretion of the sellers), not only provides the Company with potential greater flexibility on financing, but we believe also demonstrates the sellers’ confidence in the value of creating a combined entity capable of being greater than the sum of its parts.”
Mr. Goodman noted that the MeridianBet Group has increased its year-to-date revenues considerably against last year’s revenues; and the proforma performance of the combined company, following the acquisition, is now projected to be approximately $132 million in revenues and $27 million in Adjusted EBITDA, for the October 31, 2023 fiscal year.
“Both MeridianBet Group CEO, Zoran Milosevic, and I are confident that the completion of this acquisition will drive long-term value for all our stakeholders as we seek to benefit from economies of scale and both companies’ historical revenue and profit growth. We are also working closely with our bankers in an effort to raise the most beneficial financing available for the transaction,” concluded Mr. Goodman.
Golden Matrix expects to file the required proxy statement requesting shareholder approval for the issuance of the shares of common stock issuable in connection with the transaction, and other matters, with the SEC for shareholder approval very soon.
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023 or first quarter of 2024, subject to customary conditions to closing including, but not limited to GMGI shareholder approval, and Nasdaq approval, to the extent required, and other items.
For additional information regarding the purchase agreement, as amended, and the terms of the 1st amendment, including a breakdown of all of the consideration payable thereunder, please refer to Golden Matrix’s Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2023 and is available at www.sec.gov
The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has welcomed Sharp Vision as a new Silver member. Sharp Vision is a leading provider of regulatory turnkey solutions for gaming authorities.
“We are delighted to be a part of IGSA and we look forward to contributing to the advancement of best practices among regulators in the fast-growing gaming industry,” Damien Raymond, COO of Sharp Vision, said.
“IGSA is very excited to welcome Sharp Vision to our membership. We believe that IGSA Standards can enhance Sharp Vision’s products supporting regulatory authority oversight. We look forward to their participation in IGSA committees,” Mark Pace, President of IGSA, said.
BigCash, India’s leading online skill-based real money gaming company, has set its sights on global expansion and aims to offer an unparalleled gaming experience to users worldwide. The global skill-based gaming market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of 13.50% and will be valued at USD 106.78 billion, by 2032. Building on its success in India, BigCash is poised to introduce its entertaining games to global audiences, uniquely blending local flavors with its hallmark innovative gameplay.
BigCash started its journey in 2017 and has quickly become players’ preferred choice, by strategically focusing on launching new games and features regularly and due to its superfast and user-friendly interface. Being a multi-gaming app, it offers a wide range of games tailored for all age groups. With popular Indian card games, like poker, rummy, and call break with regional variations; casual games like ludo, ice blaster, fruit chop, along with fantasy cricket, the platform resonates deeply with the players of Bharat.
Continuing on the mission to take Indian technology global and to reach a wider global gaming audience, BigCash, after months of an in-depth market study, had set its views on expanding its global presence with in-house developed and tailored gaming technology and experience. BigCash presently operates in Brazil, besides India.
One of the key reasons behind BigCash’s entry into the Latin American market is the region’s immense potential for growth in the gaming sector. Brazil, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot for gaming companies due to its large population, favorable demographics, and a growing middle class with disposable income.
BigCash’s global expansion plans include multiple launches in Latin America, Asia, and Africa over the next 12 months. BigCash plans to offer local and international flavors, customized specifically for each country, with a focus on Responsible Gaming and other trust measures, to ensure a deeper bonding with the players.
Ankur Singh, CEO of BigCash, said: “Going global has been part of our strategic planning always; with our launch in Brazil, we have just taken the first step. We are aspiring to be present in 8 countries in the next 12 months. The competitive landscape in Latin America’s gaming industry presents both opportunities and challenges. BigCash is a perfect fit for the Latin American gaming landscape due to our stronghold on tech, which allows product customizations, easy-to-play online games, a supersafe and fast experience; we are already gaining a lot of organic traction.”
The Michigan Lottery announced that it will transition to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER for responsible gaming support. This aligns the agency with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and other online gaming platforms operating in Michigan in promoting 1-800-GAMBLER. The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline currently in circulation (1-800-270-7117), although the previous number will remain in operation.
“The Lottery is committed to providing Michiganders with easy access to resources that support responsible gaming. By transitioning to 1-800-GAMBLER, we are able to ensure that Michigan residents can reach specially trained staff who can provide confidential professional support, local referrals, and resources to those who may have a gambling problem,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.
Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), 1-800-GAMBLER is the world’s largest problem gambling helpline network by call volume, population served, and geographic area covered. The helpline connects people and families impacted by problem gambling with professional support, local referrals, and resources.
Calls made to 1-800-GAMBLER from Michigan will be routed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The helpline can also be reached by texting 800GAM or chatting online at 1800gamblerchat.org. Trained contact center staff are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support, guidance, and relevant information to anyone seeking help related to problem gambling. Additionally, players or their family members may connect to support resources such as live chat, text, and the helpline number by selecting the links in the footer of the Lottery’s website.
The Michigan Lottery was the first lottery in the US to achieve the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program certification through NCPG in October 2015. The NCPG evaluated the Lottery’s compliance with Internet Responsible Gaming (IRG) standards developed based on best practices from jurisdictions around the world. IRG standards are the highest standards for online responsible gaming in the nation.
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