PUSU extension announcement 11th September 2015

Sportech PLC (“Sportech” or the “Company”)

Extension to deadline under Rule 2.6(c) of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Code”)

On 14 August 2015 the Board of Sportech announced that it had received a proposal from Contagious Gaming Inc. (“Contagious Gaming“), a Toronto-listed gaming and software supplier, regarding a possible recommended offer for the whole of the issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of the Company.

The proposal is subject to due diligence, Contagious Gaming raising suitable financing and Contagious Gaming receiving a significant level of support for the proposal from Sportech shareholders.

In accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the Code, Contagious Gaming was required, by not later than 5.00 p.m. on 11 September 2015, to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Sportech in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code or announce that it does not intend to make an offer, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies.

In accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Code, the Board of Sportech have requested that the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Panel”) extend the relevant deadline, as referred to above, to enable the parties to continue their discussions regarding a possible offer. Accordingly, an extension has been granted by the Panel and Contagious Gaming must, by no later than 5.00 p.m. on 9 October 2015, either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Sportech in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code or announce that it does not intend to make an offer, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies. This deadline will only be extended with the consent of the Panel.

A further announcement will be made when appropriate. In the meantime, Sportech shareholders are advised by the Board to take no action. There can be no certainty that any formal offer for the Company will be forthcoming, nor as to the terms of any such formal offer.

This announcement has not been made with the agreement or approval of Contagious Gaming.

Enquiries:
Sportech PLC Tel: +44 (0)20 7268 2400
Ian Penrose, Chief Executive
Cliff Baty, Chief Financial Officer

Investec Bank plc (Financial adviser and broker to Sportech) Tel: +44 (0)20 7597 4000

Chris Treneman
James Rudd
Patrick Robb (Corporate Broking)
Henry Reast (Corporate Broking)

Brunswick Group LLP Tel: +44 (0)20 7404 5959
Mike Smith, Rosheeka Field

Dealing disclosure requirements

Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Code, any person who is interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the offer period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person’s interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.

Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person’s interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s), save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant dealing.

If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.

Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4).

Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Takeover Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure.

No offer or solicitation
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or an invitation to subscribe for, purchase or exchange, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance, exchange or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

Rule 26.1 disclosure
In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Code, a copy of this announcement will be available on the Sportech website by no later than 12 noon on the business day following the date of this announcement: www.Sportechplc.com / www.sportechplc.com/investors

Other
Investec Bank plc, which is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, is acting as financial adviser to Sportech and no-one else in connection with the subject matter of this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Sportech for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in connection with the subject matter of this announcement.

Announcement 14th August 2015

Sportech PLC (“Sportech” or the “Company”)

Response to recent press speculation

The Board of Sportech notes the recent press speculation and confirms that it has received a proposal from Contagious Gaming Inc. (“Contagious Gaming“), a Toronto-listed gaming and software supplier, regarding a possible recommended offer for the whole of the issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of the Company.

Any recommended offer from Contagious Gaming, if made, would be at a premium to Sportech’s current share price of 62.63p as at 13 August 2015 and would comprise a majority in cash and the balance in new Contagious Gaming shares. In addition, Sportech shareholders would also receive approximately half of the net proceeds in the event of a successful VAT repayment claim* on the “Spot the Ball” game, with the balance going to the then enlarged Contagious Gaming group.

The proposal is subject to due diligence, Contagious Gaming raising suitable financing and Contagious Gaming receiving a significant level of support for the proposal from Sportech shareholders.

A further announcement will be made when appropriate. In the meantime, Sportech shareholders are advised by the Board to take no action. There can be no certainty that any formal offer for the Company will be forthcoming, nor as to the terms of any such formal offer.

In accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the Code, Contagious Gaming Inc. must, by not later than 5.00 p.m. on 11 September 2015, either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Sportech in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code or announce that it does not intend to make an offer, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies. This deadline will only be extended with the consent of the Takeover Panel (“the Panel”).

This announcement has not been made with the agreement or approval of Contagious Gaming.

*Note regarding VAT repayment claim:

In March 2013, Sportech’s VAT claim in relation to “Spot the Ball” was successfully determined in the Group’s favour at the First-tier Tax Tribunal. In September 2014, this decision was reversed at the Upper Tribunal. The Group has been granted permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal. The appeal will be heard in November 2015. The claim is for approximately £97m including simple interest.

Enquiries:

Sportech PLC Tel: +44 (0)20 7268 2400
Ian Penrose, Chief Executive
Cliff Baty, Chief Financial Officer

Investec Bank plc (Financial adviser and broker to Tel: +44 (0)20 7597 4000 Sportech) Patrick Robb
Henry Reast

Brunswick Group LLP Tel: +44 (0)20 7404 5959
Mike Smith, Rosheeka Field

Dealing disclosure requirements

Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Code, any person who is interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the offer period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person’s interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure. Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person’s interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s), save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant dealing.

If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.

Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4).

Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Takeover Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure.

Relevant securities in issue
In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the Code, Sportech confirms that, as at the close of business on 13 August 2015, its issued share capital comprised 206,238,048 ordinary shares of 50 pence each. The International Securities Identification Number for these securities is GB00B28ZPV64.

No offer or solicitation
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or an invitation to subscribe for, purchase or exchange, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance, exchange or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

Rule 26.1 disclosure
In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Code, a copy of this announcement will be available on the Sportech website by no later than 12 noon on the business day following the date of this announcement: www.Sportechplc.com / www.sportechplc.com/media-and-news/press-releases/2015.

Other
Investec Bank plc, which is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, is acting as financial adviser to Sportech and no-one else in connection with the subject matter of this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Sportech for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in connection with the subject matter of this announcement.

Bump 50:50 Sign Multiple New Agreements

Sportech’s Bump 50:50 Signs Multiple New Agreements to Provide 50/50 Raffles to Sports Teams and Entertainment Venues

Bump 50:50, a division of Sportech Racing//Digital, announced that they have been selected by a number of charitable foundations associated with professional sports outfits to provide technologies and services to execute 50/50 charitable raffles at sporting and entertainment events. These agreements cap a period of significant new customer acquisition activity and include the charitable organizations for:

• The Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League, scheduled to launch during pre-season in September 2015;
• The Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, which launched a 50/50 raffle in June;
• The Montreal Impact of Major League Soccer, which launched in early July;
• The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix race, which was held June 7th;
• NASCAR’s Michigan International Speedway, which recently hit an all-time NASCAR raffle record at just over $75,000; and
• The Le Festival d’ete de Quebec in Quebec City, which was held July 9th to 19th.

Sportech’s Bump 50:50 provides point-of-sale software, hardware and central processing services, as well as program design and coordination, sales team training, reporting, and data analytics. Fans participating in Bump 50:50 raffles can now enjoy the convenience of the industry’s first credit card integration for raffle purchases, as well as the ability to opt-in to receive text notification of winners.

Dan Tanenbaum, President of Bump 50:50, stated, “We are very pleased to have been selected by these luminaries in the worlds of sports and entertainment to support their fundraising efforts. Since joining the Sportech Racing // Digital division last summer, Bump 50:50 has been on a significant customer acquisition trajectory, and we are very gratified to see that our investment in software, hardware and people is helping more and more foundations fulfill their vital charitable missions.”

New Owners of Emerald Downs and the Eldorado Resorts properties choose Sportech Racing and Digital

Sportech Racing and Digital is pleased to announce that it has signed new contracts to provide pari-mutuel betting technology and services to two key, long-term customers: Emerald Downs Racing LLC (“Emerald Downs”) and Eldorado Resorts, Inc., owner of Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, Presque Isle Downs & Casino, and Scioto Downs Racino.

Under the new contracts, both negotiated with new owners, Sportech will deliver extensive equipment and software upgrades to both customers. Emerald Downs, the Northwest’s premier thoroughbred racing facility, will receive upgraded field board and paddock display equipment, as well as an update of their entire betting terminal inventory to Sportech’s BetJet Series devices.

Two of the three Eldorado locations – Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort and Scioto Downs Racino – will also receive upgrades to BetJet Series devices (Presque Isle Downs already has these installed). In addition, all three Eldorado properties will receive Sportech’s Digital Link™ suite for mobile betting on track, including Sportech’s patented digital voucher functionality.

Andrew Gaughan, President of Sportech Racing and Digital, commented: “We are very gratified to have been selected to continue as the tote technology and services provider to these valued customers, and are pleased to further extend our new Digital Link™ mobile suite to three more customer locations.”

SNG Interactive introduces new online casino operations in New Jersey

SNG Interactive, Sportech’s joint venture with NYX Gaming Group Limited, has officially launched www.ResortsCasino.com and its Atlantic City based partner, Resorts Casino, has unveiled the Resorts iGaming Lounge on their casino floor.

Following its initial beta phase, the new real money online casino offers the best online user experience, by featuring a large selection of casino slots and table games, as well as exclusive titles introduced in the United States for the first time.

This announcement follows news earlier this year that a transactional waiver for iGaming operations had been granted in the state of New Jersey. This certification confirms that SNG is compliant with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. As a result, SNG is provisionally permitted to offer real money gaming online to customers, accessing the online system physically from within the state.

Rich Roberts, President of Digital US for Sportech said: “We are delighted to be officially launching www.resortscasino.com to the people of New Jersey. This marks a significant step for SNG and for online gaming in the State.”

Morris Bailey, owner of Resorts Casino Hotel, a Mohegan Sun property, said: “The launch of www.ResortsCasino.com and debut of the new digital Resorts iGaming Lounge offers all of our casino customers the best gaming experience possible. We will offer our players the opportunity to play all their favorite casino slots and table games at their leisure anywhere in New Jersey, while also providing customers the chance to experience online gaming during their visit to Resorts in Atlantic City.”

Apuesta Hípica y Deportiva Iberia latest join Racing and Digital’s European customer list

Sportech Racing and Digital is pleased to announce that Apuesta Hípica y Deportiva Iberia S.A. has joined its growing list of European customers.

Apuesta Hípica y Deportiva Iberia S.A. (in English, “Racing and Sports Betting Iberia”) operates racing and betting at the Gran Hipódromo de Andalucía. Sportech Racing and Digital will provide pari-mutuel betting services with its Quantum™ System software, operated from its European Quantum™ Data Center in Germany.

Manuel García Orozco, Managing Director of Apuesta Hípica y Deportiva Iberia, stated: “We look forward to taking advantage of the opportunities Sportech’s pari-mutuel wagering software and services will offer, particularly enhancing the betting experience, and expanding our market reach and menu of betting products through commingling.”

With Quantum™ System and Quantum™ Data Center services, global commingling services, and betting device sales to customers in 14 European countries – including Betfred Totepool, Fintoto, Danske Spil, Turkey Jockey Club, Tote Ireland, and more – Sportech is a dominant provider of pari-mutuel wagering services in Europe.

Andrew Gaughan, President of Sportech Racing and Digital, commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Apuesta Hípica y Deportiva Iberia to the Sportech family of customers, and to expand our customer base in Spain and Europe. We are confident that Apuesta Hípica y Deportiva Iberia will find that our systems and services offer the ability to enhance their business, with investments made by Sportech on Quantum™ System, digital and land-based betting technologies, global commingling capabilities, and the European Quantum™ Data Center.”

Quebec Remparts to launch electronic 50/50 raffle

Bump 50:50, a division of Sportech Racing and Digital, announced that they have been selected by Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League team, the Quebec Remparts, to provide the software and ancillary services for an electronic 50/50 raffle program to benefit the Quebec Remparts Education Fund.

Sportech’s Bump 50:50, a leading provider of 50/50 raffles to the charitable foundations of major North American sports teams, will provide point-of-sale software, hardware and central processing services, as well as program design and coordination, sales team training, reporting, and data analytics.

Dan Tanenbaum, President of Bump 50:50, stated, “This marks the second Quebec customer deployment for Sportech’s Bump 50:50 since new province regulations permitting the raffles were passed earlier this year. We have already achieved impressive results with the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation raffle, generating jackpots that average CN$52K per game. We fully expect our program to perform similarly well for the fans of the Quebec Remparts, one of the Canadian Hockey League’s most popular teams.”

The Jockey Club del Perú to bring Internet Wagering on Horse Racing to Peru

Sportech Racing and Digital are pleased to announce that the Jockey Club del Perú has extended, and significantly expanded, their tote services agreement to include the first fully-integrated and fully-featured horse race betting website in Peru, to be delivered with Sportech’s G4 digital wagering technology.

The Spanish language website will offer local racing product from the Hipódromo de Monterrico in Lima, as well as simulcast races from the United States. It will be delivered under an extension of the agreement through which Sportech provides pari-mutuel wagering services to the Jockey Club del Perú and its network of 80 off-track betting shops, from Sportech’s Quantum Data Center in the U.S.

The complete package of new products Sportech will deliver to the Jockey Club del Perú includes the customized G4 wagering website, as well as the new Sportech Tablet for digital wagering on-track.

The Jockey Club del Perú will also offer the new fixed odds Virtual Racing, which Sportech recently integrated with its Quantum System software to offer in cooperation with Kiron Interactive.

Sr. Luis Razzeto Ríos, President of the Jockey Club del Perú, stated, “We are very pleased to expand our wagering services to the Internet, and to offer a range of new digital wagering platforms, and new games, through our arrangement with Sportech Racing and Digital. This partnership has allowed us to offer our patrons new betting opportunities and new technologies for betting, and has streamlined and strengthened our operations.”

Andrew Gaughan, President of Sportech Racing and Digital, added: “Sportech is proud to extend this valued partnership with the Jockey Club del Perú, where their vision for the future of racing and gaming, combined with Sportech innovations in digital and land-based wagering, serve as an excellent template for growth in the key Latin American market.”

MyWinners.com Partners with Income Access

MyWinners.com Partners with Income Access

Partnership for Connecticut’s only regulated online horse-racing wagering brand to include affiliate program launch and management, SEM and media buys

MyWinners.com, the only website legally permitted to offer online horse-racing wagering to players in the state of Connecticut, has announced a partnership with Income Access, an iGaming-focused technology and digital marketing services provider. As part of the marketing partnership, MyWinners.com’s new affiliate program will integrate with Income Access’ platform and will be managed by the company’s acquisition specialists, who will also develop and implement a search engine marketing (SEM) and media buy strategy.

A subsidiary of Sportech PLC, the MyWinners.com brand allows residents in Connecticut to wager online on leading horse-racing events at a wide range of tracks in the United States. These tracks include Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park, and Aqueduct Racetrack in New York; Santa Anita Park, and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in California; Churchill Downs, and Keeneland in Kentucky; and Florida’s Gulfstream Park. MyWinners.com features a fully dynamic wagering interface complete with live-video streaming and free handicapping selections.

As part of MyWinners.com’s partnership with Income Access, the brand will launch an affiliate program on Income Access’ acquisition-tracking platform, which has been supporting iGaming brands’ marketing strategies since 2002. The Income Access software has received consistently strong industry recognition, including winning the eGaming Review B2B Award for Best Affiliate Software multiple times.

The affiliate program’s integration with the platform will be completed in the next month. Income Access’ team of acquisition specialists for the US market will manage the program once it is live. “We’re pleased to announce Income Access as our marketing partner – their experience in the gaming market brings a unique perspective in the acquisition of horse-racing fans for Mywinners.com,” said Josh Tepper, General Manager at MyWinners.com. “Together, we’re excited to bring to the state of Connecticut a best-in-breed online wagering site.”

As well as using the affiliate channel, Income Access’ acquisition specialists will also carry out additional digital marketing activities. These include a comprehensive search engine optimization (SEO) strategy to raise the brand’s online profile, pay-per-click (PPC) ad campaigns and third-party digital media buys.

“The exclusive website in the Connecticut market, MyWinners.com is a highly prestigious brand in the online horse-racing wagering vertical,” said Nicky Senyard, founder and CEO of Income Access. “I’m excited to announce our wide-ranging digital marketing partnership with MyWinners.com, which is sure to keep its acquisition not only on-track – but ensure the brand remains a front-runner in its vertical.”

Departing Director Statement

The following information is provided in accordance with Section 43 0(2B) of the Companies Act 2006.

As previously announced, Ian Hogg tendered his notice of resignation as COO, International Consumer Facing Division, to the Company on 4 March 2014 and resigned from the Sportech PLC Board on 23 September 2014.

He was subject to a 12 month contractual notice period. However, by agreement with the Company, his employment terminated on 31 December 2014 and he has foregone any payment in lieu of the remainder of his notice period.

From 23 September 2014 to 31 December 2014, Ian Hogg continued to receive his normal salary and contractual benefits.

He may be eligible for a bonus in respect of the 2014 financial year, but eligibility is subject to the Company, and Ian, meeting specific performance criteria and at the overall discretion of the Remuneration Committee.

Any bonus entitlement will not be decided until the next Remuneration Committee meeting in 2015 and, if and to the extent payable, will be paid on the normal bonus payment date.

Long-term incentive awards granted in 2011 have, where the relevant performance periods have completed and to the extent the relevant performance criteria has been met, vested at the normal vesting date and, pursuant to the same, Ian Hogg will receive 94,189 ordinary shares of 50p each in the Company in respect of awards that vested on 23 December 2014. Awards granted in 2012, 2013
and 2014 lapsed in full at cessation so no payments have or will be made.

No payments for loss of office have been made to Ian Hogg.

Full details of the remuneration payments made to Ian will be set out in the 2014 Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Departing Director Statement (PDF)