Catena Media is an online lead generation company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Sliema, Malta. It is focused on the generation of traffic to its customers by means of various online channels. The United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries are company’s core markets.
The last couple of months were critically important for Catena Media as far as its expansion is concerned. It has inked three major deals for the acquisition of key European online gambling affiliate websites.
Right Casino Media Acquisition
Back in October 2015, Catena Media successfully acquired Right Casino Media – a UK-based company of strategic importance. The acquisition was intended to further establish the company’s positions on the market and increase the product offering in the pay-per-click area.
Right Casino Media itself is a London-based company specializing in pay-per-click marketing campaigns development. It has reported a considerable growth in terms of profits. During the first three quarters of 2015, Right Casino Media announced a 55% gross margin and significant presence on the UK and French markets.
Right Casino Media acquisition was in line with the growth strategy of Catena Media, which also bought the Finnish Gambling Metropolis and the Netherlands’ La Luna Marketing with the aim of advancing towards the vision of becoming a leader on the global gambling market.
Acquisition of Affiliate Network in Italy and Belgium
In March 2016, Catena Media purchased an affiliate network in Belgium and Italy. These affiliates are known to be casino comparison websites. Their acquisition enabled the company to enter new regulated markets.
According to Robert Andersson, Catena Media’s CEO, the acquisition can be regarded as an excellent fit for the company as one of its priorities is expanding its portfolio and conquering new markets.
The purchase of the affiliates cost Catena Media €3 million and it is expected to generate a profit of €300,000 during the first quarter of the financial year. Market analysts predict the maximum annual amount of turnout to be around €6 million.
Wonko Media Acquisition
The acquisition of the Belgian and Italian affiliates was followed by the takeover of the Swedish Wonko Media that helped Catena Media strengthen its positions in the Swedish market.
As for Wonko Media, it has been in the business since 2010 and it was predominantly focused on building portals and player databases related to the online casino industry. The purchase of Wonko Media cost Catena Media SEK32 million or almost €3.5 million. The sales for the first quarter of 2016 are expected to reach €400,000. The deal was officially closed on March 24.
Catena Media considered the option of purchasing Wonko Media due to the high quality it has been demonstrating over the years. Plus, Wonko Media’s network allows for easy integration into Catena Media’s technology platform.
According to Jonas Svensson, CEO of Wonko Media, Catena Media is a company that would undoubtedly improve the quality and quantity of the products Wonko Media has developed so far.
AskGamblers.com Acquisition
Mere weeks ago, Catena Media completed the most significant acquisition in its history. The affiliate website AskGamblers.com is now a part of the Catena Media portfolio. What makes it so important is the fact that AskGamblers is an award-winning, trustworthy web portal where players can get accurate information about a wide range of online casinos.
Another feature that makes AskGamblers stand out from the rest is the option for solving disputes that arise between a player and a casino operator. AskGamblers has helped hundreds of players receive their winnings, which resulted in boosted popularity. According to independent surveys, AskGamblers is considered one of the most reputable gambling websites in the UK.
Catena Media acquired AskGamblers for €15 million, which makes the transaction the largest in the company’s history. The acquisition is expected to be complete by October, when the third tranche of the purchase price will be paid.
Although no official statement on the matter has been released, the acquisition of AskGamblers also enables Catena Media to establish a cost-efficient development center in Serbia.
