Press Release
Northbrook, IL and New York, NY. STATS, the world’s leading sports technology, data and content company, and Bloomberg, the leading global provider in data analytics, announced today that STATS has acquired Bloomberg Sports (BSports) and its sophisticated system of data analysis, predictive modelling and integrated data systems.
By combining BSports with its Sports Solutions Group, STATS becomes the industry’s premier resource for sports analytics, offering a complete suite of sports data products and services to multi-media, team, league, gaming and technology customers.
BSports complements STATS’ Sports Solutions Group. With almost all Major League Baseball teams using the BSports Pro2 integrated data system, the acquisition significantly strengthens STATS’ position in baseball. BSports uses advanced analytics and science-based predictive models that provide industry-leading projections across most major sports. These models are a perfect addition to STATS as it solidifies its premiere position in delivering core sports data.
“On behalf of everyone here, I would like to welcome the team at Bloomberg Sports to the STATS family,” said STATS CEO Gary Walrath. “Our mission is to revolutionize the way sports are viewed, understood, played, and enjoyed. The addition of BSports’ very talented team and compelling portfolio of products significantly bolsters our global strategy.”
BSports President Bill Squadron will remain with the company and report to Walrath. The BSports division will continue to use the underlying Bloomberg Sports technology.
“When we started Bloomberg Sports, our goal was for it to become the industry-leading provider of creative, premium data analytics services to sports professionals and fans, which is exactly what’s happened,” Squadron said. “We are proud of what we have built and are delighted to see it take the next logical step, which is combining forces with the industry’s leading data company.”
The transaction is STATS’ first since becoming a flagship member of Vista Equity Partners’ portfolio of companies this past June.
“We believe the combination of data and software analytics will enable STATS to continue to provide its existing and new customers with tremendous value. We are thrilled to welcome the Bloomberg Sports team to the STATS family and plan to continue to build upon the foundation of success they have achieved to date,” said Christian Sowul, Principal at Vista Equity Partners.
About STATS LLC
STATS is the world’s leading sports technology, data and content company. The company passionately abides by a mission to revolutionize the way sports contests are viewed, understood, played and enjoyed. STATS’ calling card consists of real-time scores, historical sports information, Associated Press editorial content, a turnkey fantasy sports operation and SportVU technology. STATS’ worldwide client network of media companies and professional sports leagues and teams utilize a broad spectrum of dynamic in-game broadcast presentations and virtual images, multimedia enhancements and game analysis, and tactical coaching tools. STATS is owned by Vista Equity Partners. For a complete tour of STATS’ sports content portfolio and solutions, visit www.stats.com.
About Bloomberg Sports
Launched in 2010, Bloomberg Sports (BSports) takes the technology developed by Bloomberg, the leading global provider in data and analytics, and applies it to the vast data analysis opportunities in sports. BSports delivers services for teams, broadcasters and athletes. It also offers a consumer tool for European football called Match Analysis, a powerful predictive and analytic tool forecasting game results and scores to help bettors “beat the bookie.” BSports has also developed pre- and post-game commentary packs along with on-air graphics for broadcasters such as Sky Sports, Channel 4, Turner and Fox. Bloomberg Sports was named by SportsPro as one of “50 Companies Shaping World Sport,” by Fast Company as a Finalist for the “Most Innovative Technology Companies in Sport,” and by Mashable as one of the “Five Most Innovative Sports Brands for 2012.”
About Vista Equity Partners
Vista Equity Partners, a U.S.-based private equity firm with offices in Austin, Chicago and San Francisco, with approximately $13 billion in cumulative capital commitments, currently invests in dynamic, successful technology-based organizations led by world-class management teams with long-term perspective. Vista is a value-added investor, contributing professional expertise and multi-level support towards companies realizing their full potential. Vista’s investment approach is anchored by a sizable long-term capital base, experience in structuring technology-oriented transactions, and proven management techniques that yield flexibility and opportunity in private equity investing. For more information, please visit www.vistaequitypartners.com.