Infront streamlines its digital offering with a focus on Infront Lab’s sports technology solutions and digital products
Zug, Switzerland / New York, USA, 11 January 2023 – Infront and Next League, the New York based digital growth consultancy and technology services company, have entered into an agreement for Next League to acquire the professional services and digital product businesses of Infront X. Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial and contractual details of the transaction, which is scheduled to close 31 January 2023.
Professional services provided by Infront X include the design, development, and maintenance of bespoke digital solutions for clients in the sports, media and entertainment industries. The digital product business includes Corebine, the company’s proprietary content management system, and Engage, a suite of customisable fan engagement tools, developed specifically with sports organisations in mind.
As part of the acquisition, Next League will take over Infront X’s client contracts, including PGA Tour, Breeders Cup and FootballCo, as well as staff from all areas of its organisation. Next League will continue to provide website and digital application services and solutions to Infront client projects, including Champions Hockey League (CHL), FIBA Digital, the International Ski Federation (FIS) and the International Skating Union (ISU), as part of an agreed-upon service cooperation.
David Nugent, CEO of Next League said: “The addition of Infront X’s professional services and digital product businesses to Next League continues to build our depth of proven experience and expertise in delivering leading fan engagement and technology solutions. The deal accelerates our roadmap in assisting our partners in navigating the complex and fast-moving digital landscape so they can invest in emerging digital spaces and solutions. We are excited to welcome our new colleagues to the Next League team and look forward to building upon the client relationships they’ve cultivated and the engagements they’ve delivered over the years.”
Philippe Blatter, Infront President & CEO, said: “The divestiture of this business is a step to further streamline and adjust Infront’s digital business. Its future growth will be fuelled by building and exploiting our sports technology solutions and products provided by Infront Lab, the unified digital unit working with all Infront clients, and continuing its successful sports tech acquisitions. This is what we will focus on moving forward as a Group and we believe our clients will benefit from the combination of the experienced team and innovative technologies of Infront Lab. At the same time, I would like to thank the entire team behind the Infront X professional services and digital product businesses for their contribution and achievements for Infront and wish them all the best for the future.”
Infront X Executive Chairman Joel Speier will remain with the Infront Group in a consultancy capacity until the end of 2023. Chief Financial Officer Krishnan Ramachandran will join Next League as its CFO after closing of the transaction. Chief Operating Officer Joni Lockridge will remain in her current position until March 2023, ensuring a smooth business transition and handover process.
Infront announced structural changes within its digital business in January 2022 when it separated Infront X and Infront Lab. The latter will continue to be led by Damian Browarnik as Managing Director within the Media, Betting & Technology department, managed by Amikam Kranz as its Vice President.
Moving forward, Infront’s digital business will continue to operate under the Infront Lab brand with the Infront X label to be integrated in its product offering. Infront Lab will operate out of three geographies, Israel, the U.S., and Europe.
About Infront
Connecting fans and consumers to the greatest sports events, Infront, a Wanda Sports Group company, offers everything an event or commercial partner needs to be successful. With a team of around 1,000 experts working from 44 offices across 17 countries around the world, Infront is equipped to tackle any challenge – be it innovative digital solutions, world-class event operations, international media rights distribution, sponsorship sales and activations or cutting-edge media production. Headquartered in Switzerland, Infront is passionate and #AllAboutSport. @infrontsports www.infront.sport.
About Next League
Next League is the leading digital growth consultant and technology solutions partner helping lead the sports industry know what’s next. Founded by a team of technology veterans with decades of success in sports, Next League is redefining the digital agency and technology services model to unlock new business growth, digital innovation and technology solutions with a commitment to lasting social impact. The people-first, culture-driven approach puts a focus on building inclusive, curious and collaborative relationships that deliver next level digital experiences.
