Better Collective buys Dutch media brands ahead of igaming launch

With days to go to the launch of the Netherlands’ regulated online gambling market, Better Collective has snapped up Soccernews.nl and Voetbalwedden.net.

The Netherlands.- The sports betting affiliate media group Better Collective has bought two Dutch media brands to build its presence in the country before its new regulated market goes live on October 1.

It will cough up €9.7m across two transactions for Soccernews.nl and Voetbalwedden.net, paying €5.9m upfront and €3.75m in maximum deferred and earnout payments.

Soccernews.nl is one of the most popular Dutch online sports media sites, while Voetbalwedden.net is a well-established sports betting community. Together, the sites boast around 2.5 million monthly visitors.

Better Collective said the impact of the acquisition would be limited initially due to the time needed for the market to become established but that it expects revenue above €3m in 2022 and “high growth for several years”.

Jesper Søgaard, co-founder and chief executive, said: “We are excited about the regulatory opening of the Dutch iGaming market, welcoming licensed operators and laying the foundation for stronger player protection. The Dutch market has high potential and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.”

Meanwhile, Joris Dekkers has been appointed as managing director of Better Collective Netherlands. He will have responsibility for the two acquired brands.

Søgaard said: “To be able to capitalise on these opportunities, we are pleased to have added two strong Dutch brands to our portfolio and welcomed Joris Dekkers and a new team to Better Collective. These moves will help us establish a leading position in the Dutch sports betting media landscape.”

Earlier this year, Better Collective raised €150m through a share placement. The group saw its revenue grow 77 per cent after its acquisition of Atemi.