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Acorn International Announces Partnership with China State-owned Media Powerhouse Shanghai Media Group through Agreement with subsidiary, Dragon Entertainment Group
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Agreement frames Acorn’s partnership with one of the largest State-owned media and cultural conglomerates in China
Acorn International, Inc. (NYSE: ATV) (Acorn or the Company) today announced that its subsidiary, Acorn Media Group, signed a cooperation agreement with influential media powerhouse SMG through one of its key content subsidiaries, DEG, paving the way for Acorn’s broad partnership with one of the largest State-owned media conglomerates in China.
Following the establishment of this partnership, Acorn and DEG intend to work together to provide cross-border resources to support Acorn’s influencer management business, Acorn Entertainment, which represents celebrity talent and brands in China to help grow and monetize their presence here, as well as Acorn’s content business, which monetizes through VOD or live streaming ticket sales, as well as e-commerce and other revenue channels.
Mr. Jacob A. Fisch, Acorn’s President and CEO noted, “I’m very excited to announce what I believe to be a truly landmark deal for us. For Acorn, it provides a wide range of new opportunities and media channels to bring both our talent and our content to Chinese audiences, with the support and partnership of a powerful conglomerate like SMG. In China, this kind of partnership brings legitimacy and sets us apart from other foreign competitors; a partnership like this is critical for achieving our goal of bringing together influencers, content and product marketing into a single platform, at scale.”
Among other things, the agreement between DEG and Acorn provides:
1) DEG will provide the maximum number of media resources available to promote Acorn’s celebrity trips to China, including but not limited to (A) ensuring that Acorn’s celebrity clients will appear on DEG programs, news, talk shows, variety shows, and reality shows, and (B) arranging media and public relations interviews across applicable DEG internal medial channels;
2) DEG will provide brand resources for Acorn, and Acorn will endeavor to provide certain relevant celebrities to produce commercial collaboration arrangements and achieve endorsement deals between such celebrities and brands;
3) Acorn will from time to time endeavor to source singers and other performers for certain live events organized by DEG;
4) DEG will cooperate with Acorn to facilitate the growth and monetization in China of mutually agreed emerging artists from anywhere in the world, including but not limited to providing proper media resources to promote such artists;
5) DEG will be one of Acorn’s primary short form content distributors and will be responsible for securing the maximum number of media resources available to promote Acorn’s content. Simultaneously, DEG will source commercial deals for such artists.
6) Acorn will actively promote DEG’s interactive communication in the culture circles of America and Japan and provide services and support for the overseas activities and expansion of DEG.
Robert Roche, Chairman and owner of Roche Enterprises, Ltd. (RE) and Chairman of Acorn notes: “As Chairman of Roche Enterprises, which has business interests spanning U.S., China, Japan, and elsewhere around the world, I am pleased to see this framework agreement in place. This partnership will provide tremendous opportunities to tap into RE’s global network, and help Acorn present its capabilities not only in China, but also in Japan and the U.S. This powerful network sets Acorn apart from competitors operating with only a pure China platform, on one hand, and also allows Acorn to team up with a powerful Chinese conglomerate to support US businesses in China, on the other hand – providing a winning combination.”
About Dragon Entertainment Group
Dragon Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group, which manages and operates five specialty television channels and is also one of the largest content production company in China.
About Shanghai Media Group
One of the largest media groups in China, SMG’s businesses span a wide array of content and distribution, online and offline media, including: radio and TV networks, signal transmission, newspapers and magazines, drama and film production and distribution, OTT and streaming, IPTV, online and console gaming, digital advertising, home shopping and e-commerce, financial data and information services, children’s arts training, TV post-production services, live entertainment, tourism and cultural investments, etc.
About Acorn Entertainment
ATV Entertainment is a social media business that helps western sports and entertainment talent and a diverse range of brands develop a deep and meaningful impact in the Chinese market. ATV Entertainment provides a wide range of localized personal digital brand services, including social media and digital services for western talent and brands who seek to maximize their value in China. The company is a subsidiary of Acorn International.
About Acorn International, Inc.
Acorn International is a leading marketing and branding company in China, leveraging a twenty-year direct marketing history to monetize brand IP, content creation and distribution, and product sales, through digital media in China. Previously the leading TV infomercial company in China, Acorn today has three divisions support its growth: 1) Product Division, 2) Content Division, and 3) Influencer Management Division.
In the Product Division, Acorn sells product primarily through e-commerce channels in China, as well as through offline distribution and outbound marketing. In the Content Division, Acorn monetizes content. Specifically, in the Content Division, Acorn has redirected its direct marketing know-how to digital media in China, launching Acorn Streaming, which is primarily focused on live streaming and pre-recorded video content creation and distribution. In the Influencer Management Division, Acorn brings, through the creation of digital social content, leading U.S. celebrity talent and brands to China, representing their in-country digital presence. For more information visit: www.acorninternationalir.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “future,” “going forward,” “intends,” “outlook,” “plans,” “target,” “will,” “potential,” and similar statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control, including the duration and intensity of the US-China trade war, which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Source: Acorn International, Inc.
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR GLOBAL GAMING EXPO 2025
Gaming’s Premier Global Event Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence in Las Vegas, Oct. 6-9
Registration is now open for G2E 2025, presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and organized by RX. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Global Gaming Expo continues to act as a catalyst for innovation and excellence, setting the benchmark for the industry standard as the global gaming community convenes at The Venetian Expo from Oct. 6-9. Exhibitors, media, and attendees can find more information and register now by visiting globalgamingexpo.com.
Supported by the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), this historic year features exciting new additions to the show-floor experience, including the high-stakes Dealer Championship and reimagined iGaming Hub in the iGaming Zone.
“G2E 2025 is unlike any year before. Introducing the latest innovations, immersive experiences and business-driving programs, G2E is the place for the international gaming community to look ahead and network in a way that can only happen in person,” said Korbi Carrison, RX’s Event Vice President for G2E.
For 25 years, G2E has been the most influential trade event for the legal, regulated global gaming industry, fostering innovation and driving growth across casinos, hospitality, technology, iGaming, sports betting and more. The event will welcome over 25,000 industry professionals from more than 120 countries, regions and territories, and nearly 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest global gaming technologies.
“As the event that shapes the future of gaming, G2E fosters an environment that empowers and celebrates the decision makers driving the legal, regulated industry forward at a pivotal time,” said Maureen Beddis, AGA’s Senior Vice President of Membership and Events. “This year’s show is the culmination of 25 years of innovation and progress – and the can’t-miss event of the year for anyone invested in shaping what’s next for gaming.”
G2E 2025 will reflect the industry’s growth with a diverse range of offerings and experiences:
- New this year, the G2E Dealer Championship marks the nation’s first competition of its kind, celebrating the skill and professionalism of top land-based U.S. casino dealers.
- The all-new Meeting Zone, where AI-driven matchmaking ensures attendees make the most of their time, with seamless scheduling through the G2E mobile app for business connections tailored to professional goals.
- The G2E Networking Lounge returns as a hub for engagement and collaboration, offering a dedicated space for meaningful conversations across the G2E community.
- Debuting this year, the G2E Media Zone offers state-of-the-art studio space for media partners to conduct interviews, produce content, and connect with industry leaders. Space is available for hourly booking throughout the event.
- The 2025 education program features over 100 sessions and 330 speakers, offering insights from leading voices across gaming.
- A reimagined iGaming Zone delivers immersive opportunities to experience the latest advancements in legal, online gaming – from cutting-edge technology to expert-led conversations and networking in the iGaming Hub.
Education sessions will run from Oct. 6-9, and the expo hall will be open from Oct. 7-9. For more information and to register for G2E 2025, visit globalgamingexpo.com.
The post REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR GLOBAL GAMING EXPO 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Betsson Group Rolls Out Its Flagship Offering in Lithuania
Betsson Group has today launched its flagship brand, Betsson, in Lithuania, marking a new chapter in the Group’s ongoing strategy to unify and elevate its brand presence globally. The rebrand sees the former Betsafe operation transition to the Betsson brand, further strengthening the company’s positioning in regulated markets.
Betsson Group first entered the Lithuanian market in 2016 through the acquisition of TonyBet, which was rebranded as Betsafe the following year. Since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength, establishing itself as one of the leading operators in the country. The transition to Betsson reflects the Group’s ambition to bring even greater consistency, scalability, and brand recognition to its operations across regulated markets. For Lithuanian customers, it ensures the same trusted and seamless gaming experience – now backed by the strength of a globally recognised brand, with expanded resources, international partnerships, and unique fan engagement opportunities.
Jesper Svensson, CEO at Betsson Group, commented, “Lithuania has been an important market for us over the years, and this rebrand is a natural next step in our journey. By aligning our presence in the market under the Betsson brand, we can tap into broader marketing synergies, strengthen our global identity, and continue offering the same great service that our customers know and trust.”
The rebrand reflects Betsson’s ongoing investment in Lithuania, where the company moved into a larger office in Vilnius’ Central Business District just over two years ago. Today, the office is home to around 40 employees working across commercial, payments and support functions.
Over the years, the Group has also built strong local partnerships that demonstrate its commitment to sport. Betsafe is the title sponsor of the Lithuanian Basketball League (Betsafe-LKL), one of the most competitive leagues in the region. The brand also supports both the men’s and women’s Lithuanian national basketball teams, and is a proud sponsor of football club FC Žalgiris.
This brand transition also aligns with Betsson Group’s broader international marketing strategy. The Group is actively investing in high-profile sports sponsorships, including partnerships with Boca Juniors and Racing Club in Argentina, Inter in Italy, Atlético Nacional in Colombia and several other clubs across Europe and Latin America. These global initiatives not only raise brand awareness but also bring added value to local markets like Lithuania through stronger brand recognition and cross-market campaigns.
The post Betsson Group Rolls Out Its Flagship Offering in Lithuania appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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ELA Games Unveils Revamped Client Area – A Redesigned Hub For B2B Customers
ELA Games, an innovative iGaming game development studio, has redeveloped its comprehensive Client Area. These changes package crucial assets and data regarding the studio’s games and content in an intuitive and informative manner.
The new Client Area includes the following information:
- Roadmap: B2B clients can now learn about the studio’s plans before they’re revealed to the public. Here, clients can access upcoming games, their information and the company’s forthcoming business plans.
- Game Info: Clients can view ELA Games’ content stats in one consolidated section. They can sort each game by certain metrics, such as RTP%, volatility and more.
- Licensing Info: ELA Games currently has licenses for various regions across Europe, including Malta, Romania, Denmark, and Sweden. Clients can view all the games available in each region to better understand the scope of content applicable to their platforms.
- Visual Assets: Clients can access every game’s visual elements for promotional and marketing purposes and game demos.
ELA Games has grown substantially since its inception, with a significant increase in production output. With more visually-rich content and more technical details for clients to digest, having a consolidated and centralised Client Area that includes all relevant information for B2B clients is essential.
Yaroslav Soloshenko, Business Development Manager of ELA Games, commented on the new improvements, “The Client Area is a useful hub where all our onboarded clients can view game details, our studio’s plans and download any visual assets. This consolidated section makes it easier for operators to interact with our brand and make the most out of our content more effectively. We look forward to making more additions to the improved Client Area as we continue to grow and expand our portfolio.”
The post ELA Games Unveils Revamped Client Area – A Redesigned Hub For B2B Customers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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