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NeoGames S.A. completes the offer to the shareholders of Aspire Global plc and extends the acceptance period
On 17 January 2022, NeoGames S.A.1 announced a recommended public offer to the shareholders of Aspire Global plc2 to tender all their shares in Aspire Global to NeoGames for a consideration consisting of a combination of cash and newly issued shares in NeoGames in the form of Swedish depository receipts (the “Offer”).
Regulatory approvals
Regulatory approvals from both the Gibraltar Gambling Commission and the North Macedonia Competition Authority have been received on terms which, in NeoGames’ opinion, are acceptable and Aspire Global has maintained its licenses. This condition for completion of the Offer is thus met.
Acceleration and acquisition of options
The completion of the Offer is also conditional upon that Aspire Global, prior to the end of the acceptance period in the Offer, resolves to accelerate the current incentive programs in Aspire Global, and that all outstanding options thereunder, as well as any other warrants/options issued by Aspire Global, are converted into new shares in Aspire Global resulting in the creation of not more than 828,094 new shares in Aspire Global. Aspire Global has resolved to accelerate unvested options which together with all other outstanding options in Aspire Global could be converted into not more than 809,264 new shares in Aspire Global.
NeoGames has, with the approval by Aspire Global’s independent bid committee, entered into option purchase agreements with 53 employees and consultants in Aspire Global who in aggregate held all outstanding options under Aspire Global’s various incentive programs. The purchase agreements were subject to the Offer being declared unconditional. All of the options remain unexercised. The purchase price for the options corresponds to the value that the option holders had received should they have exercised the options and tendered the underlying shares in Aspire Global in the Offer (SEK 111.00 in cash or 0.320 shares in NeoGames in the form of Swedish depository receipts per share in Aspire Global in accordance with the Base Case Alternative and Mix & Match Facility, as defined in the offer announcement published by NeoGames on 17 January 2022; the “Offer Announcement”). Consequently, NeoGames has provided the option holders in Aspire Global a fair treatment outside of the Offer.
Should all options acquired be exercised and converted into new shares in Aspire Global, they would represent 1.67 percent of the total number of shares in Aspire Global on a fully diluted basis.3 Considering the above, NeoGames deems the condition for completion regarding acceleration of options under Aspire Global’s various option programs to be met.
Outcome of the Offer; Offer declared unconditional
At the end of the acceptance period on 25 May 2022 and including late but approved acceptances, in total 45,860,537 shares in Aspire Global have been tendered in the Offer, corresponding to 98.25 percent of the shares and votes in Aspire Global on a non-diluted basis. Shareholders holding 13,431,065 shares have accepted the Base Case Alternative with a maximum cash component under the Mix & Match Facility, shareholders holding 55,055 shares have accepted the Base Case Alternative with a maximum share component under the Mix & Match Facility, shareholders holding 1,131,807 shares have accepted the Base Case Alternative with no election under the Mix & Match Facility and shareholders holding 31,242,610 shares4 have accepted the Conditional Alternative.
Should the options acquired by NeoGames be exercised, NeoGames would together with the tendered shares control 46,664,516 shares in Aspire Global representing 98.27 percent of the shares and votes in Aspire Global on a fully diluted basis.
Considering that the Offer has been accepted to such extent that NeoGames has become the owner of shares representing not less than 90 percent of the total number of outstanding shares in Aspire Global, the condition regarding a 90 percent minimum acceptance level has been fulfilled. Accordingly, and as all other conditions for completion are met, the Offer is declared unconditional in all respects and NeoGames will complete the acquisition of the shares in Aspire Global tendered in the Offer.
Settlement
Settlement of the shares in Aspire Global tendered in the Offer under the original acceptance period will commence on or about 14 June 2022, to allow for simultaneous settlement against cash and/or newly issued shares in NeoGames in the form of Swedish depository receipts.
Squeeze-out and delisting
NeoGames will initiate compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares in Aspire Global and propose that Aspire Global’s board of directors applies for delisting of Aspire Global’s shares from Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market.
Extension of the acceptance period
In order to provide the remaining shareholders in Aspire Global the opportunity to accept the Offer, NeoGames has decided to extend the acceptance period of the Offer until and including 14 June 2022 at 5.00 p.m. (CEST). Shareholders in Aspire Global accepting the Offer during the extension of the acceptance period will receive the Base Case Alternative, as defined in the Offer Announcement, consisting of 50 percent cash and 50 percent NeoGames shares in the form of Swedish depository receipts. Settlement for shares tendered during the extension of the acceptance period is expected to commence on or around 30 June 2022. The acceptance period will thereafter not be further extended and late acceptances will not be accepted. Since the Offer is now unconditional, shareholders in Aspire Global who accept the Offer during the extension of the acceptance period have no right to withdraw their acceptances.
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Expanse Studios, the B2B game development division of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has received official certification from Croatia’s Ministry of Finance for its flagship game Super Heli, with additional titles in the company’s 56-game portfolio expected to receive approval in the coming weeks for the EU member state.
The certification marks a strategic entry into a market that generated US$484.70m in 2024, with projected growth at a CAGR of 8.4% during 2024-2030. Super Heli, Expanse’s most popular crash-style game, becomes the first of the studio’s titles approved for the Croatian market, paving the way for broader portfolio distribution.
Tapping Into High-Growth European Market
Croatia represents a compelling opportunity for B2B gaming suppliers, with the Online Casinos segment alone projected at US$218.10m in 2024. According to iGamingToday’s latest market research, Croatia’s gambling market will reach €720.42 million by 2025, making it one of Europe’s fastest-growing regulated markets.
Among the key market benefits are:
- Accelerating digital adoption – Internet penetration jumped from 76% in 2020 to 83% in 2023
- Over 20.6 million tourist arrivals in 2023 following Schengen Zone entry
- Over 500,000 Croatians expected to engage in regular online gambling by 2027
Strategic Value for the Company
The certification strengthens Expanse Studios’ European footprint at a critical juncture. With 56 proprietary titles and 500+ B2B partners globally, Expanse is expected to capture a meaningful share in the growing EU market.
“Croatia certification is more than market access—it’s validation of our content quality and compliance capabilities in demanding EU jurisdictions,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios. “With our flagship title Super Heli already approved and more games in the pipeline, we’re very excited for the opportunities this markets brings us”
Competitive Advantage in Regulated Markets
Croatia’s regulatory framework favors established, compliant B2B providers. Operators must obtain licenses requiring significant capital investment, and only licensed casino games operators who have at least one brick-and-mortar casino can offer online gambling. This creates high barriers to entry and positions certified B2B suppliers like Expanse as essential partners for operators.
The post Expanse Studios (GMGI) Obtains Croatian iGaming Certification appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The iGB London 2025 event is set to push the boundaries of the online gambling market, and Kristina Jakovleva, Business Development Manager at SEOBROTHERS, will represent Slotsjudge. The event is expected to gather over 15,000 attendees and more than 300 sponsors, and Kristina plans to cover technological trends, discuss affiliate marketing strategies, and foster industry-specific networking.
Event Overview: About iGB London 2025
As one of the iGaming industry’s key global events, iGB London brings together thousands of professionals to drive innovation and growth. Following the success of previous editions, with over 6,500+ affiliates and 150+ programs on offer, the upcoming event promises even greater opportunities for business and collaboration.
Over 15,000+ industry specialists are to join the event this time. This year, participants will discuss technological trends, regulatory updates, affiliate marketing, and branding strategies. Participants can gain actionable insights and learn from successful case studies, making the event both exciting and informative.
About Kristina Jakovleva: Expertise & Plans
Starting her career in education at Liverpool John Moores University, Kristina has been in the iGaming market for years, working as a customer support specialist, affiliate manager, and ultimately as a Business Development Manager at SEOBROTHERS.
Years of experience and a focus on growth enabled Kristina to understand which approach best suited the company quickly, and she successfully implemented strategic partnerships and business growth initiatives to benefit from industry-specific networking.
Expectations & Final Thoughts
Attendees can enjoy iGB London 2025 on 2–3 July 2025 at ExCeL London, and an exclusive AI Concierge service will be available to cover basic questions about the event. Nick Hill, Executive Director at Premier Hill, says that ‘it represents the entire industry, and it is a must-attend show.’
It’s an excellent opportunity for the Slotsjudge team to gain performance-driven insights and plan future growth over the next 12 to 24 months, while other participants can learn from Kristina Jakovleva’s work, reinforcing Slotsjudge’s ongoing commitment to innovation and the overall growth of the iGaming industry.
The post Kristina Jakovleva Represents Slotsjudge at iGB London 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SBC Summit 2025 will debut two new conference stages – Global Markets and Emerging Markets – targeting region-specific insights as the event prepares to welcome over 30,000 attendees from more than 130 countries from September 16-18.
Following sharp international growth in 2024, with Latin America attendance up 126%, Asia up 80% with delegates from 30 countries, Africa up 45% with 29 nations represented, and North America up 127%, two additional conference stages were introduced to meet the event’s expanding global appeal.
Each stage will deliver targeted, actionable insights and create market-specific networking opportunities for delegates operating across the covered jurisdictions.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “SBC Summit is now a truly global meeting point, so building an agenda that reflects that was the natural next step.
“With the addition of the Global Markets and Emerging Markets stages, we’re offering market-specific insights—and the networking lounges attached to each stage let delegates connect immediately with the people driving growth in those regions. It’s all about continuing the conversations that start on stage with the people most invested in those markets.”
Global Markets Stage
The Global Markets stage is designed for stakeholders looking to optimise their strategies in established, high-value territories where regulatory frameworks are constantly evolving. Across three days, stakeholders can attend a series of panels focusing on key regions, including Latin America and Brazil, Western Europe, and North America.
Tuesday – Latin America & Brazil Focus: The opening day will examine Latin America’s diverse landscape, from maximising Brazil’s post-regulation opportunities to the latest developments in markets such as Mexico and Peru. Sessions will bring together leaders from LATAM and Brazil to discuss market entry strategies, payment solutions, and successful partnership models across the region’s diverse regulatory environments.
Wednesday – Western Europe Deep Dive: The second day will shift focus to Western Europe’s evolving regulatory landscape, examining how businesses can tackle compliance challenges while leveraging new opportunities. Sessions will address the growing threat of black markets, Italy’s revamped online gambling framework, the Netherlands’ increased regulatory requirements, and potential pathways for iGaming expansion into Finland and the broader Nordic region.
Thursday – North America Analysis: The final day will examine US expansion opportunities following rapid iGaming growth across multiple states. These sessions will explore the rise of alternative betting models, including sweepstakes and prediction markets, alongside the growing popularity of peer-to-peer betting in the region.
Emerging Markets Stage
The Emerging Markets stage will spotlight the most promising regions making waves across the industry. Covering Africa, Eurasia, the Middle East, and Asia, these sessions focus on markets experiencing rising player bases, regulatory reforms, and technological innovations.
Tuesday – Africa Innovation: The opening day will explore mobile-first innovation strategies that are reshaping the African gaming landscape. Sessions will cover payment infrastructure challenges, how operators can successfully engage stakeholders at a local level, and the importance of player protection in the region.
Wednesday – Expansion in Eurasia & the Middle East: Day two will focus on business expansion opportunities in Eurasia, with exciting growth prospects emerging across the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Balkans. Sessions will also examine the potential for expansion into the Middle East, with panels analysing the UAE’s move towards introducing a gambling framework in the region.
Thursday – Asia Growth Potential: The closing day will examine market entry tactics for Asia’s diverse regulatory environments, with sessions covering licensing pathways, cultural localisation, and strategies for long-term, sustainable growth across key markets like India, the Philippines, and Macau.
The Global Markets and Emerging Markets stages make up two of the six conference stages at SBC Summit 2025. These include dedicated stages for technology, affiliation, player protection, and the Super Stage.
Secure your ticket to SBC Summit 2025 today.
Choose from three pass types: VIP Event Pass, Expo+ Pass, or Expo Only Pass. Please note that an Expo Only Pass does not include access to conference panels.
Operators and affiliates may be eligible for a complimentary pass — simply apply and allow up to three working days for our team to process your request.
The post The Markets Everyone’s Watching—Now on Stage at SBC Summit appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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