Transaction set to fast-track Datawrkz’s ambitious growth plans

Datawrkz, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Limited (BSE: 543280) (NSE: NAZARA) has acquired a 100% stake in Space & Time, an independent growth marketing agency with offices across the UK for approximately GBP 4.8 million (~INR 52.3 crores) in cash and stock.

This acquisition is a key move in advancing Datawrkz’s growth ambitions across Europe and North America, positioning it as a scaled player in the global digital advertising market.

The collaboration brings together Space & Time’s expertise in growth marketing, media, and technology with Datawrkz’s strengths in programmatic advertising technology and optimization. This partnership will enable both companies to deliver more impactful digital advertising solutions and drive further expansion, especially in the European and UK markets. Additionally, Space & Time will gain access to Datawrkz’s cutting-edge technology and products, enhancing their ability to deliver effective campaigns and capitalize on growth opportunities in Europe and North America.

Datawrkz was founded in 2013 on the premise that digital advertising can be done better in every way. 

Senthil Govindan, CEO and founder of Datawrkz, will join the Space & Time board. He noted, “We are embarking on an inorganic strategy to complement our strong independent growth, and Space & Time is an ideal partner. The cultural alignment and shared focus on delivering value for clients make this acquisition a perfect fit. We anticipate this collaboration will significantly boost growth for both companies, with Space & Time driving our expansion in Europe.”

Launched in 2000, Space & Time has achieved strong revenue growth over the last three years and is one of a select few Google Premier Partners in the UK. Earlier this year, Space & Time chief executive officer, Chris Jones, was named in the ‘CEO and Leaders’ category of the BIMA 100, a listing of the top 100 movers and shakers in the UK’s digital and technology industry.

Chris Jones adds: “The company was founded with very clear principles focussed around client success. I’m incredibly proud to say these are more intrinsic and fundamental to our values than ever. The challenge was to find an investor that shares this passion for client-centricity and that’s exactly what we’ve found in Datawrkz. As two fast-growing and specialist businesses, the potential between us made this the perfect match and the investment in key areas such as data and technology that this deal brings will help future-proof our clients’ business as we continue to grow.

The deal represents an exciting new chapter in the Space & Time story as we partner with Datawrkz to bring new opportunities to clients. We’re excited for all that lies ahead.”

Glitnor Group has today signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire OneCasino, a leading iGaming Operator with a strong position across multiple regulated markets including the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark and with plans to enter the regulated German market pending final license approval.

The combined business will significantly enhance the Group’s financial scale and create further geographical reach in markets across Europe, where the Group will have operations across more than 8 regulated jurisdictions.

The acquisition is expected to create attractive commercial, operational & technological synergies enabling accelerated growth and profitability. On a proforma basis revenue for the consolidated entities would surpass 150 million Euros in 2024.

OneCasino has built an extremely strong proprietary technology stack and product with a true focus on player engagement. The in-house game studio offered via the proprietary iGaming platform enables localised and bespoke content and an exciting opportunity for further growth across the Group, complimenting further Glitnor’s own games studio and in-house PAM & RGS.

Closing is expected in the first half of 2025 and is subject to the necessary approvals from relevant gaming and regulatory authorities.

Richard Brown, CEO of Glitnor, said: “We are tremendously excited to welcome OneCasino and its team into the Glitnor Group. The transaction accelerates our long-term vision to become a leader across high value, regulated markets in the iGaming industry. The hugely complementary geographical profile and high-quality product OneCasino have rapidly expands both companies’ short- and long-term addressable market. Mark and the team at OneCasino have built a fantastic company over the last years, creating a great product and working in a range of competitive regulated markets and have a proven track record of success. We are very excited to combine the two companies’ offerings and accelerate our growth potential.”

Mark Schram, CEO of OneCasino, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what the OneCasino team has accomplished over the years. Joining forces with the Glitnor Group marks an exciting new chapter for us as we continue to grow and expand into new markets. The shared vision and synergies between both companies make this merger a perfect fit, allowing us to further enhance our proprietary technology and product offerings while continuing to focus on providing exceptional gaming experiences to our customers.

At the core of our business we always ensure that players can enjoy our platform in a safe and responsible manner. Together, OneCasino and Glitnor are sure to become a leading force in the regulated iGaming space, and I look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.”

Strategic acquisition strengthens Openbox Holdings’ iGaming platform, Openbox Gaming, with new in-house studio

Openbox Holdings, a fast-growing distributor of iGaming content across Asia and other key markets, today announced its acquisition of Gibraltar-based Boldplay, an innovative iGaming studio known for its engaging games, rewarding jackpots and signature bonus spins.

This strategic move will enhance Openbox’s portfolio with the introduction of Boldplay’s innovative products, further expanding the company’s offerings and increasing its appeal to a broader global audience.

Led by CEO Richard Hogg, the acquisition marks a significant milestone for Openbox Holdings’ OpenBox Gaming subsidiary, making Boldplay’s full roster of innovative content available to operators across the Openbox Gaming platform.

With a vision to establish itself as a leading provider to the global iGaming industry, OpenBox Gaming offers a catalogue of unique and exclusive games built by the industry’s best developers, available to operators across global markets.

The integration of Boldplay’s games into Openbox’s proprietary platform will begin immediately, with new content, updates and enhanced player experiences expected shortly. Hit titles from Boldplay will include the likes of Brute Force, Cam Carter and the Cursed Caves, Cyborg City and Speed Heist.

As part of the acquisition, key members of Boldplay’s development team will also join Openbox Gaming, ensuring continuity in the creativity and innovation that have made Boldplay a renowned studio in the iGaming industry.

Founded in 2019, Boldplay has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the game development space, with its portfolio of partners including tier one operators across Europe, LatAm and the US – such as ApuestaTotal, BetMGM, Grosvenor Casinos and Sportingbet.

Together, the two companies will leverage their combined technology, expertise and resources to offer players new and exciting content, while also advancing the development of upcoming projects.

Commenting on the acquisition, Openbox Holdings CEO Richard Hogg said: “We’ve long admired the creativity and innovation coming out of Boldplay. Their approach to engaging players with rich content and rewarding mechanics is a great fit for our platform. By joining forces, we’ll be able to leverage each other’s strengths and deliver even more exciting and rewarding experiences to our players.”

Valli Fragoso, CEO of Boldplay, celebrated the acquisition: “We are excited to join Openbox on this new journey. Our visions are closely aligned, and together we will create memorable gaming experiences for players. We’re looking forward to building on the foundation we’ve established and expanding our reach to new audiences worldwide.”