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Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc. Announces 2018 Fourth Quarter And Full Year Results

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Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc. Announces 2018 Fourth Quarter And Full Year ResultsReading Time: 13 minutes

 

Q4 REVENUE INCREASED 11.9% YEAR-OVER-YEAR

 

Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc. reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2018.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Highlights

  • Net revenues for the fourth quarter and full year 2018 were $111.4 million and $437.5 million, respectively.
  • Gross gaming revenues for the fourth quarter and full year 2018 were $183.5 million and $716.9 million, respectively. See reconciliation of this and other non-GAAP metics in the tables below.
  • Fourth quarter and full year 2018 net income was $22.1 million and $71.4 million, respectively.
  • Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter and full year 2018 were $37.0 million and $165.7 million, respectively.
  • Tiverton Casino Hotel (“Tiverton“) and the new hotel at Twin River Casino Hotel (“Twin River”) opened.
  • The merger with Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (“Dover Downs”) is expected to close in March 2019.

“We are pleased with the progress we made on our strategic initiatives in 2018. This past year was transformational for us, with the successful launch of our newest property, Tiverton, the successful opening and ramp of our new hotel at Twin River, the introduction of sports betting across our casino properties and the Dover Downs merger and related launch of TRWH as an NYSE-listed company.  I am proud of our team’s focus and dedication to these initiatives without losing sight of our customers,” said George Papanier, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are on track to close the Dover transaction this month, and our teams are hard at work planning for the integration to capture the synergies and strategic benefits of this combination for our combined shareholders.”

Summary of Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results





Quarter Ended December 31,









Year Ended December 31,





Amounts in $000’s 



2018



2017



Change





2018



2017



Change





























Net revenue



$

111,422



$

99,554



11.9%





$

437,537



$

421,053



3.9%

Income from operations



34,697



27,990



24.0%





120,649



123,723



-2.5%

Income from operations margin



31.14%



28.12%









27.57%



29.38%





Net income



22,130



19,154



15.5%





71,438



62,247



14.8%

Net income margin 



19.86%



19.24%









16.33%



14.78%





Adjusted EBITDA



36,980



38,535



-4.0%





165,697



166,772



-0.6%

Adjusted EBITDA Margin



33.19%



38.71%









37.87%



39.61%





2018 Fourth Quarter Results

Net revenues for the fourth quarter increased 11.9% to $111.4 million from $99.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Net revenue increases were the result of the opening of Tiverton and the hotel at Twin River in September and October, respectively. Gaming revenues increased $8.5 million, or 11.3%, hotel revenues increased $1.6 million, or 38.2%, and food & beverage revenues increased $1.5 million, or 14.0%, each compared to the same period in the prior year.

Income from operations in the fourth quarter increased $6.7 million, or 24.0%, year-over-year to $34.7 million.  This improvement can be attributed to operating income generated by the increased revenue and a $3.7 million decrease in advertising, general and administrative expenses (“AG&A”). The decrease in AG&A was primarily driven by a $12.8 million decrease reflecting reductions in share-based compensation expense,  partially offset by merger and going public expenses and normal volume-related increases.

Net income for the fourth quarter increased by $3.0 million, or 15.5%, to $22.1 million due primarily to increased income from operations, partially offset by $1.8 million of increased interest expense and an increase in the effective tax rate from 17.2% to 20.9%.

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $37.0 million, a decrease of $1.6 million, or (4.0%), from $38.5 million in the fourth quarter last year driven by increased corporate administrative expenses.

2018 Full Year Results

Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased 3.9% to $437.5 million, from $421.1 million in the same period in 2017. This increase was primarily attributable to increases in gaming and racing revenue and non-gaming revenue attributable to the opening of Tiverton on September 1, 2018, partially offset by a decrease of $5.3 million from closing Newport Grand on August 28, 2018.  The increase in non-gaming revenue can also be attributed opening the Twin River hotel and, to a lesser extent, due to increases in merchandise, cash services and entertainment revenue.

Total operating costs and expenses for the full year 2018 increased $19.6 million to $316.9 million from $297.3 million for 2017. This increase resulted in income from operations of $120.6 million, which represented a decrease of 2.5% compared to 2017. The year-over-year increase in costs and expenses can be attributed to $6.6 million of costs related to the Dover Downs merger and public company costs, a disposal loss of $6.5 million in connection with the sale of the Newport Grand land and building, a $3.7 million charge incurred associated with a pension plan withdrawal liability, an increase of $2.5 million in expansion and pre-opening costs primarily associated with Tiverton and increased marketing expense to support the opening of Tiverton and the Twin River hotel, partially offset by a $19.3 million reduction in the amount of share-based compensation expense.

Net income for 2018 was $71.4 million, an increase of 14.8% from $62.2 million in 2017. Contributing to the net income increase year-over-year was a reduction in the effective tax rate from 38.4% to 27.0% as a result of federal tax reform.

Adjusted EBITDA for the full year of $165.7 million was essentially the same as 2017.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

TRWH had $77.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash, at December 31, 2018. Outstanding indebtedness at December 31, 2018 totaled $394.2 million including $55.0 million outstanding on the Company’s revolving credit facility.  The Company’s leverage remained relatively consistent at approximately 2.4x compared to the prior year. Capital expenditures for Tiverton and Twin River hotel in 2018 totaled approximately $117 million.

Following the Dover Downs merger, the Company plans to consider a potential tender for a portion of its outstanding common stock or another transaction to provide a return of capital to shareholders.  The amount, timing and terms of any such transaction, if any, will be determined at that time and be based upon prevailing market conditions, the Company’s financial condition and prospects and other factors, including conditions in the bank, credit and debt capital markets.

Reconciliation of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP measures

To supplement the financial information presented on a generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) basis, the Company has included in this earnings release non-GAAP financial measures for Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, gross gaming revenue and leverage. The non-GAAP measure Adjusted EBITDA excludes depreciation, amortization,  interest expense and income, net, income taxes,  merger and going public expenses, loss associated with Newport Grand land and building disposal, acquisition-related costs associated with announced planned acquisitions in Colorado, pension withdrawal expense, pension audit payment, shared-based compensation expense, non-recurring litigation expenses, legal and financial expenses for strategic review, non-recurring expansion and pre-opening expenses, storm-related repairs, and credit agreement amendment expenses. Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenue. Gross gaming revenue is is net gaming revenue inclusive of the State of Rhode Island’s share of net terminal income, tables games revenue and other gaming revenue. Leverage  is calculated as outstanding debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA as defined above.

The reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their comparable GAAP financial measures are presented in the tables appearing below. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes that presenting non-GAAP financial measures aids in making period-to-period comparisons and is a meaningful indication of its actual and estimated operating performance. The Company’s management utilizes and plans to utilize this non-GAAP financial information to compare the Company’s operating performance to comparable periods and to internally prepared projections. The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as or comparable to similar non-GAAP measures presented by other companies.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Conference Call

The Company’s fourth quarter and full year 2018 earnings conference call and audio webcast will be held today, Tuesday March 19, 2019 at 5:00 PM EDT. To access the conference call, please dial (877) 791-0146 (U.S. toll-free) and reference conference ID number 1562667. The webcast of the call will be available to the public, on a listen-only basis, via the Internet at the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.twinriverwwholdings.com.  An online archive of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website for 120 days.

About Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc., owns and manages two casinos in Rhode Island and one in Mississippi, as well as a Colorado horse race track that possesses 13 OTB licenses. Properties include Twin River Casino Hotel (Lincoln, RI), Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Biloxi, MS), Tiverton Casino Hotel (Tiverton, RI) and Arapahoe Park (Aurora, CO). TRWH’s expertise spans various casino markets, including regional, destination & resort environments. Its casinos range in size from 1,000 slots and 32 table games facilities to properties with 4,200 slots and 123 table games, along with hotel and resort amenities.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed Dover Downs transaction, Twin River filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-228973) with the SEC that includes a combined proxy statement/prospectus. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on February 8, 2019, and a definitive proxy statement/prospectus was sent to each Dover Downs stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting in connection with the proposed transaction beginning on February 13, 2019. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, prospectus or other documents Dover Downs and/or Twin River may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed Dover Downs transaction. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THESE DOCUMENTS, ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED BY DOVER DOWNS OR TWIN RIVER WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED DOVER DOWNS TRANSACTION BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors are able to obtain free copies of these materials and other documents filed with the SEC by Dover Downs and/or Twin River through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Investors are also able to obtain free copies of the documents filed by Dover Downs and/or Twin River with the SEC from the respective companies by directing a written request to Dover Downs at Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc., 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901 or by calling (302) 857-3292, or contact Twin River at Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc., 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI 02865 or by calling (401)-475-8474.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is for informational purposes only and not intended to and does not constitute an offer to subscribe for, buy or sell, the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for, buy or sell or an invitation to subscribe for, buy or sell any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to, or in connection with, the proposed transaction or otherwise, nor will there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.

Participants in the Solicitation

This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any investor. Dover Downs, its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders of Dover Downs in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, are set forth in the relevant materials filed with the SEC. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Dover Downs is contained in Dover Downs’ definitive proxy statement in respect of the Dover Downs transaction, its proxy statement for its 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2018, its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018, its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, which was filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018 and certain of its current reports filed on Form 8-K. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking” statements as that term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than historical facts, including future financial and operating results, the tax consequences of the transaction and the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, legal, economic and regulatory conditions and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements.   

Forward-looking statements concern future circumstances and results and other statements that are not historical facts and are sometimes identified by the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “endeavor,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “overestimate,” “underestimate,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “target” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others (1) the risk that the proposed Dover Downs transaction may not be completed on the terms, in the time frame expected or at all; (2) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the Dover Downs and proposed Colorado transactions; (3) uncertainty of the expected financial performance of TRWH, including the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of transactions; (4) TRWH’s ability to implement its business strategy; (5) the inability to retain and hire key personnel; (6) the risk that stockholder litigation, result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and/or liability; (7) evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; (8) changes in general economic and/or industry specific conditions; (9) actions by third parties, including government agencies;(10) the risk that TRWH will be unable to complete any proposed capital return transaction on the terms, in the time frame expected or at all; and (11) other risk factors as detailed in the combined proxy statement/prospectus that was filed in a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC in connection with the Dover Downs transaction.  The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive.

Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication. TRWH does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or development, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

TWIN RIVER WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)







Quarter Ended December 31,



Year Ended December 31,





2018



2017



2018



2017



















Revenue:

















Gaming



$

83,825



$

75,288



$

327,740



$

314,794

Racing



2,718



3,152



13,158



14,034

Hotel



5,687



4,115



21,339



19,431

Food and beverage



12,465



10,935



48,380



47,004

Other



6,727



6,064



26,920



25,790

Net revenue



111,422



99,554



437,537



421,053



















Operating costs and expenses:

















Gaming



20,138



16,441



71,798



65,558

Racing



1,990



1,966



9,031



9,534

Hotel



2,352



1,713



8,266



7,173

Food and beverage



11,922



8,818



40,246



37,371

Advertising, general and administrative



33,507



37,229



156,023



155,336

Expansion and pre-opening



54



59



2,678



154

Newport Grand disposal loss



(27)





6,514



Depreciation and amortization



6,789



5,338



22,332



22,204

Total operating costs and expenses



76,725



71,564



316,888



297,330

Income from operations



34,697



27,990



120,649



123,723



















Other income (expense):

















Interest income



53



52



173



194

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized



(6,774)



(4,910)



(23,025)



(22,809)

Total other expense



(6,721)



(4,858)



(22,852)



(22,615)



















Income before provision for income taxes



27,976



23,132



97,797



101,108



















Provision for income taxes



(5,846)



(3,978)



(26,359)



(38,861)

Net income



22,130



19,154



71,438



62,247

Deemed dividends related to changes in fair value of 

common stock subject to possible redemption



2,214



(668)



640



(2,344)

Net income applicable to common stockholders



$

24,344



$

18,486



$

72,078



$

59,903



















Net income per share, basic



$

0.66



$

0.51



$

1.95



$

1.64

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic



37,080,705



36,486,318



36,938,943



36,478,759



















Net income per share, diluted



$

0.63



$

0.48



$

1.87



$

1.56

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted



38,503,938



38,485,001



38,551,708



38,442,944

TWIN RIVER WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED  BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)







 December 31, 





2018



2017

Assets









Current assets:









Cash and cash equivalents



$    77,580



$    85,814

Restricted cash



3,851



7,402

Accounts receivable, net



22,966



18,311

Other current assets



18,065



22,525

Total current assets



122,462



134,052











Property and equipment, net



416,148



335,548

Goodwill



132,035



132,035

Intangible assets, net



110,104



115,367

Other non-current assets



1,603



1,132

Total assets



$  782,352



$  718,134











Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Shareholders’ Equity









Current liabilities:









Current portion of term loan



$      3,595



$    33,325

Accounts payable



14,215



25,062

Accrued liabilities



57,778



57,849

Total current liabilities



75,588



116,236











Stock options





46,521

Deferred tax liability



17,526



11,646

Revolver borrowings



55,000



20,000

Term loan, net of current portion, discount and deferred financing fees



335,578



337,875

Total liabilities



483,692



532,278











Commitments and contingencies









Common stock subject to possible redemption





9,053











Shareholders’ equity:









Common stock



380



362

Additional paid in capital



125,629



67,910

Treasury Stock, at cost



(30,233)



(22,275)

Retained earnings



202,884



130,806

Total shareholders’ equity 



298,660



176,803

Total liabilities, temporary equity and shareholders’ equity



$  782,352



$  718,134

TWIN RIVER WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)







 Years Ended December 31,





2018



2017

Cash flows from operating activities:









Net income



$    71,438



$    62,247

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:









Depreciation and amortization



22,332



22,204

Share-based compensation



(1,474)



17,791

Amortization of deferred financing fees



2,400



2,205

Amortization of original issue discount



867



1,082

Bad debt expense



202



29

Deferred income taxes



5,880



(5,126)

Newport Grand disposal loss



6,514



Loss on disposal of property and equipment



11



24

Changes in operating assets and liabilities



1,074



7,376

Net cash provided by operating activities



109,244



107,832











Cash flows from investing activities:









Repayment of loans from officers and directors



5,360



362

Proceeds from sale of land and building for Newport Grand disposal



7,108



Capital expenditures, excluding Tiverton Casino Hotel and new hotel at Twin

River Casino



(11,874)



(8,574)

Capital expenditures – Tiverton Casino Hotel



(94,581)



(34,355)

Capital expenditures – new hotel at Twin River Casino



(22,435)



(4,924)

Other investing cash flows



(1,178)



6

Net cash used in investing activities



(117,600)



(47,485)











Cash flows from financing activities:









Revolver borrowing



41,000



10,000

Revolver repayments



(6,000)



(25,000)

Term loan repayments



(34,527)



(11,564)

Stock repurchases



(7,958)



(2,275)

Other financing cash flows



4,056



(94)

Net cash used in financing activities



(3,429)



(28,933)











Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash



(11,785)



31,414

Cash and equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period



93,216



61,802

Cash and equivalents and restricted cash, end of period



$  81,431



$  93,216

TWIN RIVER WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS, INC.

Reconciliation of Net Income and Net Income Margin to

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (Unaudited)

(in thousands)







Quarter Ended December 31,



Year Ended December 31,





2018



2017



2018



2017



















Net revenue 



$    111,422



$        99,554



$    437,537



$    421,053



















Net income



$      22,130



$        19,154



$      71,438



$      62,247

Depreciation and amortization



6,789



5,338



22,332



22,204

Provision for income taxes



5,846



3,978



26,359



38,861

Interest expense, net of interest income



6,721



4,858



22,852



22,615

Merger and going public expenses (1)



2,292





6,636



Newport grand disposal loss (2)



(27)





6,514



Pension withdrawl expense (3)







3,698



Expansion and pre-opening expenses (4)



54



59



2,678



154

Non-recurring litigation expenses (5)



626



678



1,861



1,722

Pension audit payment (6)



1,400





1,400



Share-based compensation 



(8,825)



3,994



(1,474)



17,791

Legal & financial expenses for strategic review (7)



4



226



676



822

Credit agreement amendment expenses (8)



83





493



106

Acquistion costs (9)



208





208



Storm related repair expense (10)



(321)



250



26



250

Adjusted EBITDA



$    36,980



$      38,535



$  165,697



$  166,772



















Net income margin



19.86%



19.24%



16.33%



14.78%

Adjusted EBITDA margin



33.19%



38.71%



37.87%



39.61%





(1)

Merger and going public expenses primarily include legal and financial advisory costs related to the merger with Dover Downs and one-time costs of becoming a public company.

(2)

Newport Grand disposal loss represents the loss on the sale of the land and building, write-down of building improvements and write-off of equipment.

(3)

The pension withdrawal expense represents the accrual for the New England Teamsters Multi- employer pension plan withdrawal liability.

(4)

Expansion and pre-opening expenses represent costs incurred for Tiverton Casino Hotel prior to its opening on September 1, 2018.

(5)

Non-recurring litigation expense represents legal expenses incurred by TRWH in connection with certain litigation matters (net of insurance reimbursements).

(6)

Pension audit payments represents a charge for out-of-period unpaid contributions, inclusive of estimated interest and penalties, to one of the Company’s multi-employer pension plans.

(7)

Legal and financial expenses for the strategic review include expenses associated with TRWH’s review of strategic alternatives that began in April 2017.

(8)

Credit Agreement amendment expenses include costs associated with amendments made to TRWH’s Credit Agreement.

(9)

Acquisition costs represent costs incurred during the year associated with the Company’s announced acquisition of three casinos in Black Hawk, Colorado from Affinity Gaming.

(10)

Storm-related repair expenses include costs, net of insurance recoveries, associated with damage from Hurricane Nate at Hard Rock Biloxi.

TWIN RIVER WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS, INC.

Calculation of Gross Gaming Revenue (Unaudited)

(In thousands)







Quarter Ended December 31,







Year Ended December 31,









2018



2017



Change



2018



2017



Change



























Net gaming revenue



$             83,825



$             75,288



11.3%



$    327,740



$    314,794



4.1%

Adjustment for the State of RI’s  share of net

terminal income, table games revenue and other

gaming revenue (1)



99,710



86,774







389,203



370,604





Gross gaming revenue



$         183,535



$         162,062



13.3%



$  716,943



$  685,398



4.6%





(1)

Adjustment made to show gaming revenue on a gross basis consistent with gross gaming win data provided throughout the gaming industry.

Calculation of Leverage (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except times levered)







Year Ended December 31,





2018



2017

Face Value of Debt (1)



$    397,439



$  396,966

Adjusted EBITDA (2)



165,697



166,772

Leverage



 2.4x 



 2.4x 





(1)

Outstanding debt before unamortized original issue discount and unamortized term loan deferred financing costs of $3.3 million and $5.8 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(2)

See reconciliation of GAAP net income to Adjusted EBITDA above.

Source: Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc.


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc. Announces 2018 Fourth Quarter And Full Year Results

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Inspired by Solo Leveling’s signature dark visuals and its powerful, underdog narrative, the collection channels the spirit of transformation that defines both the anime and G2’s competitive ethos. The design direction is deliberately dark and understated, with flashes of lightning and sparks that echo Solo Leveling hero Jin-Woo’s bursts of power as he levels up in the shadows of underground dungeons and daily grinds. Each item in the drop balances minimalist silhouettes and tonal palettes with refined visual cues – subtle details that speak volumes to those who IYKYK.

This collaboration is more than merchandise; it is a wearable narrative, tapping into the mindset of a generation raised on glow-ups, grind culture, and story-driven self-expression. Crafted for people who exist online and offline simultaneously, the G2 x Solo Leveling capsule fits seamlessly into the language of modern high-low streetwear, designed for everyday wear while remaining rooted in story and symbolism.

Solo Leveling has quickly become one of the most successful anime series of recent years. Since its premiere in early 2024, it has built a devoted global fanbase and earned nine awards at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, including Anime of the Year. The series tells the story of Sung Jin-Woo, a once-weak hunter who rises in secret to become the most powerful player in a gamified world, a character arc that strongly aligns with G2’s own “zero to hero” journey. The first two seasons are available to stream exclusively on Crunchyroll.

The capsule collection is the latest in a line of exclusive drops from G2, following high-profile collaborations with Ralph Lauren, Warner Bro’s Batman, and iconic lifestyle brand Smiley. It’s another step forward in G2’s journey as a cultural leader, redefining what it means to be an esports organisation.

“We’ve wanted to release an anime collaboration for the longest time so we’re more than excited to kick off our first ever anime drop with Solo Leveling. It feels like the perfect fit for G2’s story – relentless, transformative, and built from the grind up.” says Sabrina Ratih, COO of G2 Esports. “This is more than a fashion drop, it’s a statement of where gaming, anime, and street culture are headed. We’re not just celebrating a shared story of power and perseverance, we’re inviting fans to wear that story, live it and own it. This collection continues our quest to reshape esports fashion and create subtle statement pieces that bridge the gap between fandom and lifestyle.”

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the organisation continues to evolve from an elite competitive force into a global lifestyle brand. With over 40 million fans worldwide and entering into new ventures such as its own media house, 62, and a recent expansion into traditional sports via Gerard Piqué’s Kings League.

The G2 x Solo Leveling Capsule Collection will be available for purchase exclusively through G2’s online store g2esports.com from November 14.

 

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Clever Advertising opens new Malta office, launches fully paid work experience programme for young local talent

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Clever Advertising, a performance marketing agency for tier one iGaming operators and Fintechs, has today officially launched its new strategic office in Malta, reinforcing the island’s growing reputation as a European hub for digital and technology-driven industries.

The new office, located over two floors at the Wembley Business Centre in Msida, will serve as the company’s main base outside Portugal. Its opening marks an important step in Clever Advertising’s global expansion and will bring new career opportunities to Malta’s digital sector.

From Portugal to the world

Founded in Porto, Portugal, in 2007, Clever Advertising has grown into a global leader in affiliate and performance marketing, specialising in the iGaming and Financial Services industries. The company helps international brands attract new customers through a mix of digital advertising, SEO, mobile campaigns, influencer partnerships, and other online marketing channels. Clever Advertising operates on a partnership model – investing its own resources upfront to acquire customers for its clients and earning revenue only when those campaigns succeed.

Silvio Schembri, Minister for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects commented “Clever Advertising’s decision to expand in Malta is another proof of the confidence investors continue to place in our country. Their growth reflects the direction we are taking through Malta Vision 2050, strengthening high-value sectors and creating quality careers for our youths. I particularly welcome their commitment to developing local talent through the Clever Launchpad, which aligns perfectly with our efforts to equip our youths with valuable skills in this fast-evolving sector. As a government, we will keep fostering the right environment for innovative companies to grow.”

Ivan Filletti, CEO of Gaming Malta commented: “Today, we are not only celebrating the inauguration of new offices, but also the continued strengthening of Malta’s gaming ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome Clever Advertising — a company whose energy, values, and investment in both people and interactive entertainment align with the Malta Vision 2050 framework, our roadmap for sustainable growth and resilience.”

“This is an exciting milestone for Clever Advertising,” said Alberto Simões, Managing Director for Malta. “Malta was a natural strategic choice for us. The island offers a thriving talent pool, close proximity to key clients, and a solid regulatory environment in both the Gaming and Financial Services sectors – all of which make it one of the best places in Europe to grow a tech business.

“Our company operates on a true partnership model. We invest upfront to acquire new customers for our clients and share in the resulting revenue. This success-based structure means that when our clients grow, we grow. It’s a win–win model that will directly contribute to the Maltese economy, help generate sustainable jobs, and build long-term partnerships rather than short-term campaigns.

“We’re here to be part of Malta’s business community for the long term, not only as employers, but as partners helping to advance innovation and professional skills on the island.”

Creating jobs and developing skills

The company today also announced its intention to invest in local talent development through the Clever Launchpad,  a paid work experience initiative designed for Maltese youth who have recently finished school and are not yet in work or further education.

The programme offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and international exposure within the fast-growing digital sector. Participants will also have the opportunity to spend time at Clever Advertising’s headquarters in Porto. The scheme will be fully funded by Clever Advertising.

“We believe opportunity should be accessible to everyone,” added Simões. “The Clever Launchpad scheme tackles the misconception that digital jobs at international companies in Malta aren’t for the local residents. It’s designed to open doors for young people,  even those without a university degree, and give them the chance to build a global career from right here in Malta.”

 

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Blacklyte Joins StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 as its Official Furniture Partner

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StarLadder is proud to welcome Blacklyte as the Official Furniture Partner of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, bringing premium-grade desks and chairs to support the world’s best Counter-Strike players during one of the biggest esports events of the year.

All player setups at the Major – including on-stage booths and backstage practice areas – will be equipped with Blacklyte’s high-performance gaming furniture, including the Blacklyte Athena Pro Gaming Chair and the Blacklyte Atlas Lite Standing Desk, designed specifically for professional esports environments.

“Comfort and stability are crucial in high-pressure matches,” said Alex Liu, Founder and CEO of Blacklyte. “We’re excited to support the players at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 with gear that’s built for champions.

The partnership ensures that every pro player competing from December 11 to 14 will have the ergonomic support and functionality required to perform at their highest level — whether in practice or under the spotlight on stage.

“Blacklyte’s dedication to quality, design, and player comfort makes them the ideal partner for the Major,” said Viacheslav Shcherbakov, Head of Sales & Partnerships at StarLadder. “We’re proud to showcase their products on the biggest stage of the CS2 season.”

Fans attending the event will also be able to visit the Blacklyte PlayZone, where they can experience the same chairs and desks used by the pros, participate in giveaways, and take home exclusive merch.

For more information about Blacklyte and their activation at the event, follow us on social media or visit major.starladder.com 

 

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