Z Capital Partners, LLC, the private equity arm of Z Capital Group, LLC (ZCG), a privately-held asset manager, on Tuesday said it has completed the merger of its affiliated portfolio companies, Affinity Gaming and Sports Information Group, LLC, creating Affinity Interactive.
The proposed transaction was unveiled on June 14.
Affinityisa diversified national casino gaming operator, while SIG is a New York-based B2B and B2C global omnichannel sports, technology, digital, media and wagering business.
SIG’s flagship brand, Daily Racing Form, was established in 1894. The brand includes DRF Bets, an online and mobile wagering platform.
Affinity Interactive has offerings in regional gaming and horse wagering. ZCG said it is preparing to launch social gaming, online gamingand sports betting through DRF Bets.
“With regional casinos in Nevada, Missouri and Iowa, and its advanced technology, digital and media platforms and online betting presence, the company is positioned to capitalize on the continued momentum in sports betting and online gaming globally,” ZCG said in a statement.
Mary Beth Higgins, CEO of Affinity Gaming, and Itay Fisher, CEO of SIG, will continue to lead their respective business units.
“We are pleased to complete this transaction, which includes significant growth opportunities,” James Zenni (pictured), founder, president and CEO of ZCG and chairman of Affinity Interactive, said in a statement. “With the rapid expansion of online gaming in the US and abroad, and the continued growth of the sports and online betting industry, Affinity Interactive will be positioned to accelerate its growth. We look forward to delivering on the many opportunities ahead as we leverage Affinity Interactive’s offerings.”
ZCG is a New York City based, privately held, global investment firm with approximately $4 billion of assets under management across complementary private equity and credit businesses. The company’s investors include pension funds, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, central banks and insurance companies.
Affinity Gaming is wholly owned by ZCG affiliates and is a diversified casino gaming company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company’s casino operations consist of eight regional casinos, five of which are located in Nevada, two in Missouri and one in Iowa.
