Perform confirms its intention to acquire Opta for £40m (€46.7m)

Perform Group, the digital sports content provider, has confirmed its intention to acquire sports data firm Opta for £40m (€46.7m) on the 03/07/2013. The British press revealed the information on the 17/06/2013 which, until now, had not been confirmed by either of the two companies.

"The acquisition is conditional upon upon a successful fundraising," said the Perform Group. The company added that "Opta would complement Perform's existing content distribution business and strengthen the company's position in the provision of sports content to the media and betting sectors as well as enhance Perform's direct to consumer products such as Goal.com."

According to the British press, the acquisition will be funded by a £115m (€134m) share placing on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250 index). Perform is to pay a further "management incentive" of up to £7m (€8.2m) based on performance, once the original transaction is completed.