Corporate Finance

Adviser to leading eSports agency in global merger

Adviser to Digital Sports Mgmt, a leading eSports marketing, gaming & entertainment agency on its merger with YMU Sports

Game Room Interior with row of gaming PC and chairs

Background

Launched in 2016, Digital Sports Mgmt (DSM) is one of Europe’s leading eSports marketing, gaming & entertaining agencies.  It specialises in structuring and negotiating sponsorship, license and partnership agreements between brands, rights holders and athletes/celebrities. In the short space of five years, it has established itself internationally while developing an impressive client base, such as The English FA, Sorare, Avery Dennison, La Liga and Warner Bros, and also represents some of the world’s “best gaming talent”, including Danny Aarons, ShaunaGames, and AJ3.

Action

FRP Corporate Finance was engaged to provide full sell-side support to DSM and advise on strategic options. We tested the market and received interest from across the world.  The deal presented challenges, but the team provided expertise, invaluable advice and support throughout the process and guided DSM’s shareholder to achieve their ambitions.

Outcome

YMU was an ideal home for the business; its links in the entertainment space perfectly complemented DSM’s strong position in sports and gaming. The deal represents the fourth transaction in the sector in the past 15 months. Sector deals include advising on the sale of a significant stake in Goat, Livingbridge’s acquisition of Jungle Creations and Lifecycle Marketing’s acquisition of Emma’s Diary.

The demand for niche social media and digital marketing assets is strong and we expect this to hold despite the macro headwinds. Bilal Hasan Director

Related team

Bilal Hasan

Bilal Hasan

  • Partner
  • Corporate Finance
  • London West End, Reading

Mark Farlow

Mark Farlow

  • Partner
  • Corporate Finance
  • London West End