24 Jun 2008 07:00
Sportech PLC
Strategic Marketing Partnership Signed with 888 Holdings plc
Significant New Opportunity to Promote Football Pools Online
888 Holdings plc Becomes Software and Marketing Partner Across Principal E-gaming Activities
Sportech PLC ("Sportech" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a unique distribution and marketing partnership contract with 888 Holdings plc ("888"), one of the world's most popular online gaming entertainment companies.
The ground-breaking strategic partnership will allow the promotion of the principal Sportech business, The New Football Pools (The "Pools") across 888's entire gaming database, one of the largest in the world. Importantly, 888 will actively assist in the marketing of all of Sportech's products to both companies' existing and new customers in the UK and overseas.
Additionally, 888 will provide Sportech with a turnkey online gaming operation, providing the technology platform required to power all aspects of Sportech's principal online gaming operations - notably, littlewoodscasino.com, littlewoodspoker.com as well as its many soft games such as instant wins.
The improved service includes the creation of a common platform and wallet, enabling the seamless cross promotion of Sportech's suite of gaming products.
888 replaces Cryptologic as its software provider for Casino & Poker. This will take effect from September 2008 and Cryptologic have been given notice to that effect.
The contract is structured to incentivise 888 to drive traffic to Sportech's sites and 888 is committed to providing global marketing support over the length of the strategic partnership. The Board of Sportech believes this will substantially maximise the potential of Sportech's brands.
Importantly, to coincide with the launch of The New Football Pools in August 2008, the contract has been structured to include new significant international marketing and distribution for the Pools. This includes an evaluation of international markets for football pools opportunities. Under the agreement, 888 will distribute and promote the pools to its entire online customer base and through active single button "click through" function, connect players to the Pools web site where they can register and play.
Sportech customers will also enjoy international sports-betting opportunities - provided and managed by 888 under the Littlewoods brand.
As at 31 March 2008, 888's number of real money registered customer accounts was 4.9 million.
Sportech believes that the 888 contract will enable it to accelerate the growth of its online gaming business as well as significantly expanding the reach of the pools business.
The contract is for an initial five year term, during which Sportech expects to yield significant benefits.
Ian Penrose, Chief Executive of Sportech, said: "This is a strong strategic partnership for Sportech. This fits exactly with our strategy of reinvigorating the pools business and delivering an enhanced and modern product for today's gaming customers. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for all of our products to be effectively marketed on-line. Importantly this extends beyond the traditional online poker and casino offering and includes the Pools business which we believe will become an international online gaming brand."
Gigi Levi, Chief Executive of 888, said: "888 is an outstanding consumer brand in itself, however it is part of our strategy to be the engine behind other great brands via our strategic partnership programme and the strategic consulting skills we can offer. This phenomenal partnership with Sportech represents the full evolution of our B2B offering and is a milestone agreement."
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Enquiries:
Sportech PLC
Ian Penrose, Chief Executive 0151 288 3115
Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial
David Rydell / Emma Kent / Rosanne Perry 0207 861 3232