Vista Equity builds sports data empire combining Perform with STATS
California-based technology fund Vista Equity Partners has this afternoon confirmed that it has acquired DAZN Group sports data and content subsidiary Perform for an undisclosed fee.
As anticipated, Vista Equity confirms that it will absorb Perform assets within its US-centric sports data platform STATS, developing a new global powerhouse in sports analysis, data and content provisions.
Confirming the transaction, Robert F. Smith – Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners – said: “STATS and Perform are two exceptional, highly complementary companies with extensive backgrounds as industry innovators that will deliver superior products to customers as one combined entity.
“We are pleased to welcome the Perform team into the Vista family and look forward to the groundbreaking technological advances in sports that will result from this unique and exciting combination.”
In its update, Vista Equity details that DAZN will receive a combination of cash and a significant minority stake in the enlarged STATS enterprise.
Absorbing Perform assets, STATS which to date has primarily acted as a US sports data distributor will significantly expand its European profile gaining the new assets of Opta, RunningBall, Watch&Bet and SportsCloud.
STATS Chief Executive Carl Mergele stated that the combination would mark a new chapter for the company. “Bringing Perform into the fold will create the most advanced artificial intelligence company in sports, providing deeper, more robust data and insights, which is essential to our global partners,” he said.
“Not only will we be able to improve our offerings to existing customers, we now have the opportunity to expand our presence in global markets where Perform has paved inroads for years as a leader in digital sports content.”
Closing the update, DAZN Group CEO Simon Denyer released personal statement on the sale of Perform a company he founded in 2007, and which would lead to the foundation of new enterprise DAZN.
“Over 12 years we created a leading global portfolio of content and clients, but the combination of STATS and Perform takes the service to a new level of potential for everyone,” said Denyer. “While we will continue as an active minority shareholder in the new business, this deal also allows the group to focus on DAZN, into which we will invest all net proceeds from the deal.”
Source: SBC News
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