The prominent digital sports media entity, Better Collective, has procured the esports platform Futbin, encompassing all affiliated domains, for a sum reaching €105 million (equivalent to $114 million USD).
This calculated maneuver expands Better Collective’s esports reach to an immense viewership exceeding 100 million monthly visits. Furthermore, the acquisition broadens Better Collective’s revenue sources, as Futbin generates substantial earnings through promotional endeavors and recurring payment services.
In light of this acquisition, Better Collective has modified its 2022 financial projections. These revised figures incorporate roughly eight months of operational profits from Futbin and its associated web properties, in addition to projected expenditures linked to the platform’s expansion. The company now anticipates total operational earnings to approach €85 million.
Remaining financial objectives pertaining to internal growth and leverage are unaltered, standing at 15-25% and below 3.0x, respectively, for 2022.
The procurement of Futbin and its related domains represents a substantial stride towards Better Collective’s ambition of becoming the preeminent digital sports media conglomerate. It amplifies their established esports presence, which encompasses HLTV, a renowned platform catering to the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player base.
Futbin itself stands as a leading esports entity with a specific emphasis on the FIFA interactive football franchise. Its online presence garners an impressive 50 million monthly visits, while its dedicated application boasts 3 million active daily users.
These individuals generate a significant portion of their revenue from advertisements, but their latest Futbin application is generating substantial income through subscription services. In the previous year alone, they amassed an impressive €13 million. Despite the acquisition, the Futbin team will remain in place to ensure a seamless transition.
The transaction is valued at an astounding €105 million! They will receive an upfront payment of €70 million in cash, along with an additional €50 million in Better Collective shares – a considerable bonus indeed! The remaining sum, up to €30 million, is contingent upon performance and will be disbursed over the following two years.
Jesper Søgaard, the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Better Collective, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal. He anticipates explosive growth in the esports sector, attracting a vast global audience that includes professional athletes. This acquisition underscores their unwavering commitment to becoming the preeminent platform for esports enthusiasts worldwide. Their esports platforms already attract over 100 million monthly visitors, but their ambitions extend far beyond that. They are highly impressed by Futbin’s growth trajectory and technological capabilities, and they foresee significant synergies as they integrate it into their existing portfolio.