The Isle of Man company announced that they have reached a deal with 2021 startup, Games Global Limited to sell their Quickfire Aggregation Network and other assets for an undisclosed sum. Included in the total deal are also the world’s largest progressive jackpot network and multiple additional game creation studios.
Games Global was formed in 2021 by the former CEO of IGT, Walter Bugno, and CFO Tim Mickley formerly of Playtech and SafeCharge. No details of the sale were provided beyond the scope of assets affected and the expected closing date of Q2 2020. The purchasing firm is funded by private capital.
Pending regulatory approval the transfer would occur in two parts known as the Microgaming Acquisition and the Studios Acquisition.
Upon completion, Games Global will become a market-leading supplier of online gaming content with a portfolio of over 3,000 game titles, dozens of smaller gaming studios, the Quickfire aggregation platform, and the progressive jackpot network that has paid out over 1.2 billion euros since its inception.
Instant Access to Massive Markets
The purchase gives Games Global access to over 260 current customers that operate nearly 1,000 gaming brands. The group will continue to employ over 1,100 staff across Europe, South Africa, North and South America, and Oceania.
CEO Walter Bugn commented: “We are seeing a very vibrant gaming market at present across the world, with many new regulated markets coming online. The creation of a new large-scale independent supply chain that Games Global will be, has not been witnessed for many years. We are committed to delivering a world-class best-of-breed product and services offering that will ultimately enhance the end user’s gaming experience and help drive our customers’ businesses. We are extremely excited about the opportunities ahead and will work tirelessly to achieve the significant opportunities in front of us.”
While the press release mentions 25 studios, the company website references more than 50 studios in over 25 different countries. The current Microgaming Studio Partners listed on the website include Triple Edge, Stormcraft, Slingshot, Gameburger, All41, and Alchemy but that list should not be considered to be exhaustive.
Microgaming to Retain Certain Turnkey Download Casinos
Legacy sites using the original Microgaming Viper download client software are said to not be affected by the deal, according to an announcement by Microgaming.
Prior to stepping down from his role as CEO at Microgaming earlier this week John Coleman, commented: “This is an exciting deal that has been in the making for some time and which will provide new growth and opportunity for both Microgaming and Games Global. We are announcing it now to provide sufficient notice and clarity for our partners and stakeholders. Games Global will acquire the game IP and distribution business previously known as Quickfire, and Microgaming will continue to support its core traditional business, while increasing its reach with the addition of new business and managed services.”
The new business and managed services are expected to relate to sports betting.
Sources:
Creation of world-class iGaming content business, Games Global, November 15, 2021
Divestiture of Quickfire distribution business and games portfolio, Microgaming, November 15, 2021