Australian media company QMS Media (ASX: QSM) has today announced the acquisition of leading sports management firm TLA Worldwide, as well as Stride Sports Management for $32.7 million. 

The purchase will bring both management firms under the QMS Sport Holdings banner, a subsidiary of QMS Media. The acquisitions will advance QMS Sports as a global sports integrated platform which can utilise advertising platforms controlled by QMS Media, activation rights and mobile assets. 

“Our vision is to develop QMS Sport as a global integrated sports platform with digital sports technology, infrastructure, media rights, talent management and merchandise under one major sports offering, providing advertisers, sponsors and brands with a unique and powerful platform to engage with this highly valued sports audience,” said Barclay Nettlefeold, QMS Media Group CEO and Managing Director.

“The relationships TLA and Stride have with key sporting codes, clubs and talent will be beneficial in delivering new revenue streams both locally and internationally.”

Sport remains one of the unique events which draws high audiences which place a high priority of watching in live time which enables a premium to be charged on advertising and CEO of TLA, Craig Kelly was pleased to be able to increase the exposure of TLA talent via the sale. 

“We are thrilled to become a part of the QMS group, a business that shares our passion for sport and has a vision for a global sports platform to capitalise on the continued growth of the sector,” said Kelly. 

“Our new combined offering will make it easier for clients to access the highly engaged sporting fan like never before.”

Well known talent currently managed by TLA include media personalities Hamish McLaughlan, Garry Lyon, Billy Brownless, Anthony Hudson, Rebecca Maddern and Nicole Livingston, as well as sports stars Trent Cotchin, Erin Phillips, Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullen and Mack Horton, amongst others. 

H1 CY2019 earnings for QMS Sport are expected to be announced around $11 million, notably higher than the $9 million EBITDA forecast provided in February 2019. 

QMS is expected to release the Group’s H1 results on August 23. 

Prior to the purchase, CY2019 EBITDA guidance was expected to be around $60m as announced in May, up from $42.4m from CY2018.