Technology, Media, Telecom
GSC raised USD 80 Mn in private equity from KKR-backed Emerald Media
About
GSC
Global Sports Commerce (GSC) promoted by M.S. Muralidharan, is one of the world’s largest Sports Technology and Management Companies providing in-stadia display solutions, sponsorship & commercial management and premier consulting services to leading global sports stakeholders – including sports bodies, leagues, rights holders, stadiums and brands. GSC, headquartered in Singapore, consists of 13 subsidiary companies with offices in 16 cities, across 10 countries. GSC’s works with preeminent organizations in sports such as FIFA, UEFA, IAAF, ICC, BCCI, EPL, IPL, Bundesliga, AFL etc., through its various subsidiaries
Emerald Media
Emerald Media is a Pan-Asian company backed by KKR to invest in the fast-growing media, entertainment, consumer tech and B2B industries across Asia for which KKR has committed up to $300mm from its KKR Asian Fund II. Emerald Media is led by industry veterans and supported by an experienced team of investment and operating executives. Emerald Media primarily focuses on providing growth capital to media, entertainment, consumer tech and B2B companies. The company looks to support growing public and private companies, by providing growth capital and strategic value add.
Background
We are delighted to announce a landmark transaction in the domain of Sports Technology & Marketing. Our client Global Sports Commerce (“GSC”), one of the world’s largest Sports Technology & Management companies, promoted by M.S. Muralidharan, has raised Series D funding of about $ 80 Mn (INR 5300 Mn) from Emerald Media (“Emerald”), the pan-Asia media & entertainment focussed investment arm of global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (“KKR”).
The investment is combination of primary & secondary with Series B investor Fidelis World exiting the business. Series C Investor ADV Partners will continue to hold a significant minority stake in the Company. The primary capital will enable GSC and its affiliate Techfront, to explore international acquisitions and also develop next generation technologies for the sporting eco-system.
GSC together with its international subsidiaries and affiliates provides in-stadia display solutions, sponsorship & commercial management and premier consulting services to leading global sports stakeholders – including sports bodies, leagues, rights holders, stadiums and brands
Veda Corporate Advisors (“VedaCorp”) was the financial advisor to the transaction. VedaCorp provided comprehensive transaction advisory services covering identification of prospective investors, strategic positioning, valuation, negotiation and finalization of definitive agreements, leading to the successful closure of the transaction.
From advising on a $ 300K angel investment in 2007, to a $ 45 Mn investment in 2015 and now a $ 80 Mn investment in 2018, VedaCorp’s relationship with GSC/Techfront reaffirms our credentials as investment bankers who are trusted time and again by clients.
“VedaCorp has been handholding our journey with investors for nearly 10 years – from our angel Investment in 2007, to our subsequent PE round in 2015 and now our iconic fund raise in 2018. Their tenacity to work alongside entrepreneurs and ability to find compatible financial partners is unmatched. It has been a pleasure to work with their team.”
M.S.Muralidharan
Promoter & Group CEO of GSC