Z Capital Partners, L.L.C., the private equity arm of Z Capital Group, L.L.C. ("ZCG"), a leading privately-held asset manager, today announced the merger of its affiliated portfolio companies, Affinity Gaming ("Affinity"), a diversified national casino gaming operator, and Sports Information Group, LLC ("SIG"), a New York-based B2B and B2C global omnichannel sports, technology, digital, media and wagering business. The transaction will close in the coming weeks and the terms were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Affinity is a casino gaming operator that owns and operates eight renowned regional casino properties throughout Nevada, Iowa and Missouri. In Nevada, Affinity has active sports betting and online casino licenses with additional active sports betting licenses in Iowa. Pending legislative approval, Affinity has the potential to add additional sports betting and online casino licenses in Iowa and Missouri.
With an online and mobile presence in nearly 40 states, SIG is a global, multi-media information company dedicated to providing premium data-driven content and in-depth digital coverage to horse racing enthusiasts. SIG's flagship brand, Daily Racing Form ("DRF"), has been the dominant source of information in the horse racing industry since 1894 and is considered the go-to resource for the thoroughbred racing industry. A "one-stop-shop" for horseracing, DRF's website is the most heavily-trafficked horseracing destination, providing players with the most extensive information in horse racing, interactive past performances, exclusive handicapping tools, and access to DRF Bets™, one of America's fastest growing online and mobile wagering platforms. SIG also offers sports data and digital analytics through its brand DRF Sports.
The merger of Affinity's leading regional casinos in Nevada, Missouri and Iowa, and SIG's advanced technology, digital and media platforms and online betting presence, will position Affinity Interactive as a leader in today's gaming industry with a world class digital offering with significant growth opportunities.
The merger will include an expanded suite of casino and online gaming offerings, including social gaming, mobile gaming, iGaming and sports betting. The combined company will reach nearly one million customers across the U.S. alone and leverage the iconic DRF brand as it capitalizes on the continued momentum in sports betting and iGaming globally. Mary Beth Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Gaming, and Itay Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of SIG, will continue to lead their respective business units.
"This merger has been contemplated for quite some time, and with the expansion of online gaming in the U.S. and abroad, we look forward to bringing together these two highly complementary businesses and leveraging their combined strengths to create a significant gaming, digital and media platform with even greater growth opportunities globally as Affinity Interactive," said James Zenni, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of ZCG and Chairman of Affinity Interactive. "Affinity's acclaimed casino properties, coupled with SIG's world-class technology and proprietary sports data and intelligence, will create a leading gaming platform available to nearly one million customers worldwide. We see significant growth in the sports and online betting industry, and we are confident that together these companies will be even better positioned to capitalize on the many opportunities ahead as Affinity Interactive."
"This is an exciting day for our digital, data and betting customers as the combined company will offer an unparalleled online and in-person gaming experience to our ever-growing customer base," said Mr. Fisher. "This merger enables Affinity to leverage SIG's leading technology and digital presence and accelerates its expansion into sports and iGaming. We are grateful to have ZCG's continued vision, support, and operational expertise as we enter into this new chapter."
"For more than 125 years, DRF has been at the forefront of the gaming industry, and today's announcement of combining our offerings with Affinity's casino properties and sports betting licenses, is yet another milestone in SIG's iconic legacy," said Ms. Higgins. "This transaction will position us to continue our growth, and we look forward to working with Itay and the SIG team to further deliver the best sports betting offerings for the benefit of our combined customers."
Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to Affinity, and Massumi + Consoli LLP served as legal advisor to SIG.