Big Fish is headquartered in Seattle, USA, has approximately 700 full-time employees and five inhouse development studios in Seattle and Oakland, USA. It as a number of key profitable applications, as well as a strong pipeline of new applications. Big Fish’s largest social casino application, Big Fish Casino, remains a top ranking social casino application globally.
The transaction, that is subject to regulatory and other approvals, is expected to complete in the first quarter of calendar year 2018.
The news of the acquisition was released on the same day as Aristocrat published its positive financial results for the full year ended September 30 2017. Revenue increased by more than 15% in reported terms to a new record of over US$2.45bn. Net profit after tax and before amortisation of acquired intangibles (NPATA) for the year was US$543m, representing growth of 36% in reported terms and 40% in constant currency, compared to the US$398m delivered in the 12 months to September 30 2016.
This result reflected the strong performance delivered across the group’s global portfolio, in particular outstanding momentum in the Americas, significant growth in the digital and international CIII segments and sustained strength in Australian markets.
Aristocrat chief executive officer and managing director, Trevor Croker, said: “Aristocrat delivered high quality results over the 2017 fiscal year, against a backdrop of mostly flat markets and increasing competitive pressure. Industry leading content, hardware and technology, coupled with effective execution focused on our highest value opportunities once again underpinned our performance.”
In relation with Big Fish acquisition, Croker commented: ““It will materially expand our social gaming footprint, positioning Aristocrat to further capitalise on growth in mobile gaming following the acquisition of Plarium. Our Social Casino business will become the second largest Social Casino publisher globally.”
Source: GMB
