Leading sports media company Playmaker Capital Inc. (TSX-V: PMKR), has announced the acquisition of La Poche Bleue (LPB), a Quebec-based sports media and entertainment group. This acquisition marks Playmaker’s entry into the Quebec market and promises to bring a wealth of sports content and consumer products to its portfolio.
This acquisition furhter establishes the company in Quebec which is a crucial region for Playmaker’s expansion in Canada. The deal coincides with the upcoming 2023-24 NHL season and will enhance Playmaker’s regional and national hockey coverage.
Diverse content portfolio
With this acquisition, Playmaker gains access to a diverse portfolio of video-podcasts available in French and English, with a wide range of sports and lifestyle content with a focus on the Montreal Canadiens, NHL developments, NFL fantasy football, MLB storylines, Quebec lifestyle.
La Poche Bleue’s flagship property, also named “La Poche Bleue,” produces weekly episodes that have recorded five million views since it was established. Shows within this flagship collection include “La Poche Bleue,” hosted by former Montreal Canadiens Maxim Lapierre and Guillaume Latendresse (picture above on the left), and “Game Over” with former MLB pitcher and Cy Young winner Eric Gagne. The shows have a wide distribution and are streamed on digital platforms and syndicated on Quebec radio through a partnership with Cogeco Media. The content engages millions of daily viewers and listeners.
Embracing Quebec culture
In addition to its content, La Poche Bleue has a line of lifestyle and consumer products that reflect authentic Quebec culture and support local businesses and community initiatives. These products are developed in collaboration with local partners and are sold in stores throughout Quebec. Currently, La Poche Bleue offers branded spirits and ready-to-drink beverages in the SAQ, Quebec’s provincial liquor store, as well as various branded grocery items and beers at Couche-Tard, Metro, and Provigo, Quebec’s province-wide grocery and convenience stores.
Playmaker’s growth strategy and transaction details
Playmaker’s CEO, Jordan Gnat, (pictured above on the right), pointed out the strategic importance of establishing a presence in Quebec, stating, “We’ve made it very clear that establishing a meaningful and authentic presence in Quebec is core to our continued growth in North America. La Poche Bleue is an incredible producer of sports content and consumer products with true fan affinity in Quebec.”
He also expressed enthusiasm about the talent that comes with La Poche Bleue, with Maxim Lapierre, Guillaume Latendresse and Louis-Philippe Dorais continuing to lead the brand’s growth within Playmaker’s ecosystem.
The acquisition of La Poche Bleue was made according to a share purchase agreement dated 8 August, 2023. Playmaker acquired 100 percent of La Poche Bleue for a total consideration of up to CAD$8.8 million. This consideration included a closing cash payment, the issuance of Playmaker common shares, earn-out payments contingent on La Poche Bleue’s EBITDA targets and deferred cash payments.
Playmaker’s press release contains forward-looking information regarding the benefits of the LPB acquisition and LPB’s future performance. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and Playmaker undertakes no obligation to update them.
About Playmaker
Playmaker Capital Inc. (TSX-V: PMKR; OTC: PMKRF) is a digital sports media company focused on acquiring and integrating premier fan-centric media brands. By delivering authentic digital content experiences for sports fans, Playmaker partners with advertisers, online sports betting operators, sports federations, and leagues to provide highly engaged audiences across the Americas. With its 360-degree view of sports fans and cutting-edge technology stack, Playmaker is at the forefront of digital sports media.
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