STATS LLC, the world’s leading sports technology, data and content
provider, announced that it has been acquired by Vista Equity Partners,
strengthening the opportunity for continued innovation in the use and
dissemination of sports data and revolutionizing the way sporting events
are viewed, analyzed, understood and enjoyed.
The transaction, originally announced May 15, 2014, closed Friday, June
6, 2014. Vista, a leading private equity firm with approximately $11.5
billion in cumulative capital commitments in software, data and
technology-enabled services companies, purchased the company from FOX
Sports and The Associated Press.
Founded in 1981 and headquartered outside Chicago, STATS has a presence
across 13 countries worldwide. The company has more than 30 years of
experience in sophisticated sports data collection, processing and
distribution. By leveraging the unparalleled amount of sports data
amassed over the years, and by further investing in innovative new
technologies and analytics, STATS has the power to continue transforming
the way sports content is used and consumed.
“STATS has an impressive record of changing the way professional sports
are delivered to its customers and consumed by fans,” said Robert F.
Smith, CEO and founder of Vista Equity Partners. “Their seasoned
management team has a track record of value creation and we are eager to
build upon that success to better provide customers and partners with
new products, datasets and technology that will help them grow their own
businesses.”
“This is a huge opportunity for us and our 600+ global customers,” said
Gary Walrath, CEO of STATS. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Vista
as we look to accelerate our growth and provide best-in-class solutions.
With the most expansive sports data set in North America covering nearly
45,000 live sports events annually, a deepening global footprint and our
long-standing professional sports league relationships, STATS is
well-positioned to transform and define the next generation of sports
information services and solutions.”
“STATS is a highly successful enterprise that we expect will continue
its growth and innovation under Vista,” said AP President and CEO Gary
Pruitt.
“We believe that STATS will continue to excel as a leader in sports
technology, data and content, scaling even greater heights under Vista’s
direction,” said Eric Shanks, President and COO, FOX Sports.
About STATS
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 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. Today, 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. For a complete tour of STATS’ sports content portfolio
and solutions, visit www.stats.com.
About Vista Equity Partners
Contacts
STATS LLC
Nick Stamm, 847-583-2110
stamm@stats.com
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