Admission Document Devolver Digital Inc
Admission Document Devolver Digital Inc
Admission Document Devolver Digital Inc
3267 Bee Caves Road, #107 (Box 63) Austin, Texas 78746, United States
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THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. If you are in any doubt about the contents
of this document or the action you should take, you should immediately seek your own financial advice from your stockbroker, bank
manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent adviser who is authorised under the FSMA if you are in the United Kingdom, or, if
outside the United Kingdom, from another appropriately authorised independent adviser.
This document, which comprises an AIM admission document drawn up in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies, has been
issued in connection with an application for admission to trading on AIM of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Devolver
Digital, Inc.
This document does not constitute an offer or any part of any offer of transferable securities to the public within the meaning of section
102B of the FSMA or otherwise. Accordingly, this document does not constitute a prospectus for the purposes of section 85 of the
FSMA or otherwise, and has not been drawn up in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation Rules or filed with or approved by the
FCA or any other competent authority.
Application has been made for the Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM. It is expected that Admission will become
effective and that trading in the Shares will commence on AIM on 4 November 2021. The Shares are not dealt on any
other recognised investment exchange and no application is being made for admission of the Shares to the Official List
of the FCA.
AIM is a market designed primarily for emerging or smaller companies to which a higher investment risk tends to be
attached than to larger or more established companies. AIM securities are not admitted to the Official List of the FCA. A
prospective investor should be aware of the risks of investing in such companies and should make the decision to invest
only after careful consideration and, if appropriate, consultation with an independent financial adviser. Each AIM company
is required pursuant to the AIM Rules for Companies to have a nominated adviser. The nominated adviser is required to
make a declaration to the London Stock Exchange on Admission in the form set out in Schedule Two to the AIM Rules
for Nominated Advisers. The London Stock Exchange has not itself examined or approved the contents of this document.
The Company and the Directors, whose names appear on page 13 of this document, accept responsibility both individually and
collectively for the information contained in this document. To the best of the knowledge of the Company and the Directors (each of
whom has taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this document is in accordance with
the facts and contains no omission likely to affect the import of such information. The whole of this document should be read.
Investment in the Company is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. Your attention is drawn in particular to Part
III of this document entitled “Risk Factors”, which describes certain risks associated with an investment in Devolver
Digital, Inc.
Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus Capital”), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority,
is acting for the Company as nominated adviser and sole bookrunner in connection with the Placing and Admission, and will not be
responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to customers of Zeus Capital or advising any other person in
connection with the Placing and Admission. Zeus Capital’s responsibilities as the Company’s nominated adviser under the AIM Rules
for Companies and the AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers will be owed solely to London Stock Exchange and not to the Company,
the Directors or to any other person in respect of such person’s decision to acquire Placing Shares in reliance on any part of this
document. Apart from the responsibilities and liabilities, if any, which may be imposed on Zeus Capital by the FSMA or the regulatory
regime established under it, Zeus Capital does not accept any responsibility whatsoever for the contents of this document, and no
representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Zeus Capital with respect to the accuracy or completeness of this document
or any part of it.
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The Placing Shares are being offered and sold outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S (“Regulation S”) under the US
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “US Securities Act”), and within the United States to persons reasonably believed to be
“qualified institutional buyers” (“QIBs”) as defined in and in reliance on Rule 144A under the US Securities Act (“Rule 144A”) or pursuant
to another exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act. Prospective
purchasers are hereby notified that sellers of the Placing Shares may be relying on the exemption from the provisions of Section 5 of
the US Securities Act provided by Rule 144A. For a description of these and certain further restrictions on offers, sales and transfers
of the Placing Shares and the distribution of this document, see Part VII of this document.
Neither the Placing Shares nor the Subscription Shares have been, and will not be, registered under the US Securities Act. None of
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any other US federal or State securities commission or any US
regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the Placing Shares or the Subscription Shares nor have such authorities reviewed,
passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offer or the accuracy or adequacy of this document. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offence in the United States. There will be no public offering of the Placing Shares or the Subscription Shares in the United
States or in any other jurisdiction.
The Placing Shares to be sold in reliance on Regulation S are subject to the conditions listed under Rule 903(b)(3), or Category 3, of
Regulation S. Under Category 3, offering restrictions (as defined under Regulation S) must be in place in connection with the Placing
and additional restrictions are imposed on resales of such Placing Shares. Further details of these restrictions are set out in Part VII of
this document. Further, hedging transactions in the Placing Shares may not be conducted unless in compliance with the US Securities
Act.
The Placing Shares and the Subscription Shares are “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 under the US Securities Act.
Purchasers of the Placing Shares or the Subscription Shares may not offer, sell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Placing Shares or the
Subscription Shares, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, any US Person, except
pursuant to a transaction meeting the requirements of Rules 901 to 905 (including the Preliminary Notes) of Regulation S, pursuant to
an effective registration statement under the US Securities Act, or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the
US Securities Act. Furthermore, the Placing Shares and Subscription Shares to be sold in reliance on Regulation S may not be sold
to, or for the account or benefit of, any US person until at least the expiry of one year after the later of (i) the time when the Placing
Shares are first offered to persons other than distributors in reliance upon Regulation S and (ii) the date of the closing of the Placing,
or such longer period as may be required under applicable law or as determined by the Company (the “Distribution Compliance
Period”). The Company currently intends that these restrictions will remain in place indefinitely.
This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, securities in any jurisdiction in
which such offer or solicitation is unlawful and is not for publication or distribution in or into Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the
Republic of South Africa or Japan. The Shares have not been and will not be registered under any province or territory of Canada,
Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of South Africa or Japan, nor in any country or territory where to do so may contravene local
securities laws or regulations. Accordingly, the Shares may not be offered or sold directly or indirectly in or into Canada, Australia, New
Zealand, the Republic of South Africa, Japan or to any national, resident or citizen of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of
South Africa or Japan. The distribution of this document in other jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons into
whose possession this document comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with
these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities law of any such jurisdictions.
Copies of this document will be available free of charge to the public during normal business hours on any day (except Saturdays,
Sundays and public holidays in the United Kingdom or the United States) at the registered offices of the Company and, for one month
from Admission, at the offices of Zeus Capital at 10 Old Burlington Street, London W1S 3AG. This document is also available on the
Company’s website, www.devolverdigital.com.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This document should be read in its entirety before making any decision to subscribe for or purchase Shares.
Prospective investors should rely only on the information contained in this document. No person has been
authorised to give any information or make any representations other than as contained in this document
and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied on as having been authorised
by the Company, Zeus Capital, or any of their respective affiliates, officers, directors, employees or agents.
Without prejudice to the Company’s obligations under the AIM Rules for Companies, neither the delivery of
this document nor any acquisition of Shares made under this document shall, under any circumstances,
create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company or the Group since the
date of this document or that the information contained herein is correct as at any time subsequent to its
date.
Prospective investors in the Company must not treat the contents of this document or any subsequent
communications from the Company, Zeus Capital, or any of their respective affiliates, officers, directors,
employees or agents as advice relating to legal, taxation, accounting, regulatory, investment or any other
matters. Each prospective investor should consult with their own advisers as needed to make its investment
decision and to determine whether it is legally permitted to hold Shares under applicable legal investment
or similar laws or regulations. Investors should be aware that they may be required to bear the financial risks
of an investment in Shares for an indefinite period of time.
The Company will update the information provided in this document by means of a supplement to it if a
significant new factor, material mistake or inaccuracy arises or is noted relating to the information included
in this document before Admission. Any supplementary admission document will be made public in
accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies.
Investing in and holding the Shares involves financial risk. Prior to investing in the Shares, investors should
carefully consider all of the information contained in this document, paying particular attention to the Risk
Factors in Part III of this document. Investors should consider carefully whether an investment in the Shares
is suitable for them in light of the information contained in this document and their personal circumstances.
In connection with the Placing, the Sole Bookrunner and any of its affiliates, acting as investors for their own
accounts, may acquire Shares, and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell or otherwise deal
for their own accounts in such Shares and other securities of the Company or related investments in
connection with the Placing or otherwise. Accordingly, references in this document to the Shares being
offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt with should be read as including any offer to, or
subscription, acquisition, dealing or placing by, the Sole Bookrunner and any of its affiliates acting as
investors for their own accounts. The Sole Bookrunner does not intend to disclose the extent of any such
investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.
The Sole Bookrunner and its affiliates may have in the past engaged, and may in the future, from time to
time, engage in transactions with, and provided various investment banking, financial advisory and other
ancillary activities in the ordinary course of their business with the Company, in respect of which they have
received, and may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions. As a result of these transactions,
these parties may have interest that may not be aligned, or could possibly conflict, with the interests of
investors.
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provided that no such offer of the Shares shall require the Company or any other person to publish a
prospectus pursuant to Section 85 of the FSMA or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the
UK Prospectus Regulation. For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in
relation to the Shares in the United Kingdom means the communication in any form and by any means of
sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any Shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to
decide to purchase or subscribe for any Shares and the expression “UK Prospectus Regulation” means
Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal)
Act 2018, as amended.
This document is being distributed to, and is directed only at, persons in the United Kingdom who are
qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation: (i) who have professional
experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Order; and/or (ii) high net worth
entities, unincorporated associations and other bodies falling within Article 49 of the Order; and (iii) other
persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully be distributed without an obligation to issue a prospectus or
other offering document approved by a regulatory body (each a “Relevant Person”). Any investment or
investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged
in only with such persons. Persons who are not Relevant Persons should not rely on or act upon this
document.
provided that no such offer of Shares shall result in a requirement for the publication of a prospectus pursuant
to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the
Prospectus Regulation.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression “an offer to the public” in relation to any offer of Shares in
any Relevant State means a communication in any form and by any means presenting sufficient information
on the terms of the offer and any Shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or
subscribe for the Shares, and the expression the “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129
as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended.
The Shares may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do
not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous
Provisions) Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of
the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or
(iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of
the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and
no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the Shares may be issued or may be in the possession
of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed
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at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted
to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to Shares which are or are intended to be
disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of
the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
This document is confidential to the person to whom it is addressed and no person to whom a copy of this
document is issued may issue, circulate, distribute, publish, reproduce or disclose (in whole or in part) this
document to any other person in Hong Kong without the consent of Devolver Digital.
Where Shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
(1) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA) the sole
business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more
individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or
(2) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and
each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,
securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation
or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six
months after that corporation or that trust has acquired Shares pursuant to an offer made under Section
275 except:
(3) to an institutional investor or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person
arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(b) of the SFA, and further for
corporations, in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA;
(4) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;
(5) where the transfer is by operation of law;
(6) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or
(7) as specified in Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and
Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018.
In connection with the primary offering of the Shares, registration pursuant to Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the
FIEA has not been made as the solicitation for the offering is “shoninzu muke kanyu” as set out in
Article 23-13, Paragraph 4 of the FIEA, and the Shares may only be offered, sold, resold or otherwise
transferred, directly or indirectly to, or for the benefit of, 49 or fewer residents of Japan.
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The Placing Shares are being offered and sold outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S and
within the United States to persons reasonably believed to be QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A or pursuant to
another exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities
Act. Prospective purchasers are hereby notified that sellers of the Placing Shares may be relying on the
exemption from the provisions of Section 5 of the Securities Act provided by Rule 144A. For a description
of these and certain further restrictions on offers, sales and transfers of the Placing Shares and the
distribution of this document, see Part VII of this document.
The Placing Shares to be sold in reliance on Regulation S are subject to the conditions listed under Rule
903(b)(3), or Category 3, of Regulation S. Under Category 3, offering restrictions (as defined under Regulation
S) must be in place in connection with the Placing and additional restrictions are imposed on resales of the
Shares. Further details of these restrictions are set out in Part VII of this document. Further, hedging
transactions in the Placing Shares may not be conducted unless in compliance with the US Securities Act.
The Placing Shares and the Subscription Shares are “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 under the
US Securities Act. Purchasers of the Placing Shares or the Subscription Shares may not offer, sell, pledge
or otherwise transfer the Shares, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or to, or for the account
or benefit of, any US Person, except pursuant to a transaction meeting the requirements of Rules 901 to
905 (including the Preliminary Notes) of Regulation S, pursuant to an effective registration statement under
the US Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the US Securities
Act. The Placing Shares and the Subscription Shares to be sold in reliance of Regulation S may not be sold
to, or for the account or benefit of, any US Person until at least the expiry of the Distribution Compliance
Period. The Company currently intends that these restrictions will remain in place indefinitely.
The Placing Shares and the Subscription Shares have not been approved or disapproved by the SEC, any
state securities commission in the United States or any US regulatory authority, nor have any of the foregoing
authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of any proposed offering of the Placing Shares or the
Subscription Shares, or the accuracy or adequacy of this document. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offence in the United States.
Important information regarding US federal securities laws, settlement and restrictions on transferability of
the Shares is set forth in Part VI and Part VII of this document.
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Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this document are or may constitute “forward-looking statements”, including
statements about current beliefs and expectations. In particular, the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”,
“may”, “should”, “could”, “plans”, “intends”, “will”, “believe” and similar expressions (or in each case their
negative and other variations or comparable terminology) can be used to identify forward-looking statements.
They appear in a number of places throughout this document and include, but are not limited to, statements
regarding intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, the Group’s results of
operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and expectations of the industry in
which the Group operates.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events
and circumstances. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the
development of the markets and the industry in which the Group operates, may differ materially from those
described in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document. In addition, even
if the development of the markets and the industry in which the Group operates are consistent with the
forward-looking statements contained in this document, those developments may not be indicative of
developments in subsequent periods. A number of factors could cause developments to differ materially
from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, general
economic and business conditions, industry trends, competition, changes in regulation, currency
fluctuations, changes in the Group’s business strategy, political and economic uncertainty and other factors
discussed in Part I, Part II and Part III of this document.
Any forward-looking statements in this document reflect current views with respect to future events and are
subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Group’s
operations and growth strategy. Investors should specifically consider the factors identified in this document
which could cause results to differ before making an investment decision. Subject to the requirements of
applicable law or regulation, the Group undertakes no obligation publicly to release the result of any revisions
to any forward-looking statements in this document that may occur due to any change in the Directors’
expectations or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.
Any forward-looking statement in this document based on past or current trends and/or activities of the
Group should not be taken as a representation or assurance that such trends or activities will continue in
the future. No statement in this document is intended to be a profit forecast or to imply that the earnings of
the Group for the current year or future years will match or exceed the historical or published earnings of
the Group.
The Group have historically reported under US Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (“US GAAP”). An
explanation of the changes to the Group’s financial information on transition from US GAAP to IFRS is
presented in note 32 of Section B of Part IV of this document.
Certain non-statutory measures such as EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have been included in the financial
information contained in this document as the Directors believe that these present important alternative
measures with which to assess the Group’s performance. These measures should not be considered as an
alternative to revenue and operating profit, which are IFRS measures, or other measures of performance
under IFRS. In addition, the Company’s calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may be different from
the calculation used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.
Rounding
The financial information and certain other figures in this document have been subject to rounding
adjustments. Therefore, the sum of numbers in a table (or otherwise) may not conform exactly to the total
figure given for that table. In addition, certain percentages presented in this document reflect calculations
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based on the underlying information prior to rounding and accordingly may not conform exactly to the
percentages that would be derived if the relevant calculations were based on the rounded numbers.
Information to Distributors
The UK Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or
regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Placing.
Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment, Zeus Capital, as Sole
Bookrunner, shall only procure investors in the United Kingdom which meet the criteria of professional clients
and eligible counterparties.
For the avoidance of doubt, the UK Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of
suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of Chapter 9A or 10A respectively of the FCA Handbook
Conduct of Business Sourcebook; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest
in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to, the Shares.
Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Shares
and determining appropriate distribution channels.
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measures (together, the “EU Product Governance Requirements”) and disclaiming all and any liability,
whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any “manufacturer” (for the purposes of the EU Product
Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Shares have been subject to
product approval process, which has determined that the Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target
market of (a) retail investors, (b) investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and (c) eligible
counterparties, each as defined in EU Product Governance Requirements; and (ii) eligible for distribution
through all distribution channels as are permitted by EU Product Governance Requirements (the “EU Target
Market Assessment”). Notwithstanding the EU Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that:
the price of the Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Shares offer
no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Shares is compatible only with
investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction
with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an
investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom.
The EU Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or
regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Placing.
Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the EU Target Market Assessment, Zeus Capital, as Sole
Bookrunner, shall only procure investors in the European Union which meet the criteria of professional clients
and eligible counterparties.
For the avoidance of doubt, the EU Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of
suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group
of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Shares.
Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Shares
and determining appropriate distribution channels.
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CONTENTS
Page
DEFINITIONS 15
GLOSSARY 22
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS 24
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Placing Statistics
Number of Existing Shares in issue and outstanding as at the date of this document* 11,422,654
Number of Existing Shares in issue and outstanding following the Pre-IPO Reorganisation† 399,792,890
Number of Options Sale Shares (being Shares which do not form part of the 3,387,720
Existing Share Capital and which shall be issued and sold by the Options Selling
Shareholders in the Placing (the Options Sale Shares form part of the Sale Shares))
Number of Options Shares (being Shares which do not form part of the 1,324,120
Existing Share Capital and which shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of Options)
ISIN USU0858L1036
SEDOL BPBLXY1
LEI 213800PRI1918XI2H813
* The number of Shares in issue and outstanding excludes the Treasury Shares held in treasury by the Company itself.
† Following the Pre-IPO Reorganisation, all Non-Voting Shares will be converted into Shares on a 1:1 basis and a 35 to 1 stock split
shall be effected by way of a share dividend of 34 shares for every 1 share outstanding.
Notes:
(1) The market capitalisation of the Company at any given time will depend on the market price of the Shares at that time. There can
be no assurance that the market price of a Share will equal or exceed the Placing Price.
(2) Net of all transaction costs in connection with Admission including (but not limited to) all commissions, adviser fees and expenses
payable by the Company of approximately £6.7 million.
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Expected Timetable
Admission and commencement of dealings in the Shares on AIM 8.00 a.m. on 4 November 2021
CREST accounts credited with Depositary Interests (where applicable) 8.00 a.m. on 4 November 2021
All times are London, UK times. Each of the times and dates in the above timetable is indicative only and is subject to change without
further notice.
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Website www.devolverdigital.com
and
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DEFINITIONS
Affiliate has the meaning given in Rule 405 under the US Securities Act
AIM Rules for Companies the AIM Rules for Companies published by the London Stock
Exchange from time to time
AIM Rules for Nominated the AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers published by the London
Advisers Stock Exchange from time to time
Artificer Call Option Agreement the agreement dated 20 March 2019 made between (i) Gambitious
and (ii) Trousdale Games I, LLC, details of which are set out in
paragraph 13.13 of Part VI of this document
Audit Committee the audit committee of the Board, as constituted from time to time
CAGR compound annual growth rate, being the average annual growth
rate of an investment or metric over a specified period of time longer
than one year.
Company or Devolver or Devolver Digital, Inc. and as the context shall so admit, means that
Devolver Digital entity and/or all or some of the members of its Group and/or any of
their respective businesses from time to time
Concert Party Harry Miller, Rick Stults, Graeme Struthers and Nigel Lowrie
Contingent Consideration Shares the 14,472,990 Shares that shall be issued by the Company, subject
to and conditional upon Admission, to (i) the Dodge Roll Sellers
pursuant to the Dodge Roll SPA; (ii) the Firefly Sellers pursuant to
the Firefly SPA; and (iii) the Nerial Sellers pursuant to the Nerial SPA
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Croteam Group (i) ABEST d.o.o.; (ii) DES INFORMATIKA 2010 d.o.o.; (iii) NEBO IZ
SNA d.o.o.; (iv) NEBO MEDIA d.o.o; and (v) PLAVI SLON d.o.o.
Croteam SPA the share sale and purchase agreement made between the
Company and the Croteam Sellers dated 7 October 2020, pursuant
to which the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of
each member of the Croteam Group, further details of which are set
out in paragraph 13.7 of Part VI of this document
Deed Poll the deed poll dated 19 October 2021 entered into by the Depositary
in favour of the holders of Depositary Interests
Deeds of Election the deeds entered into by each Selling Shareholder, pursuant to
which they have, inter alia, appointed the Company as its agent to
enter into the Placing Agreement on their behalf
Directors the directors of the Company as at the date of this document, whose
names appear on page 13 of this document
Disclosure Guidance and the disclosure guidance and transparency rules produced by the
Transparency Rules FCA and forming part of the handbook of the FCA, as amended
Distribution Compliance Period the period during which the Shares are subject to the conditions
listed under Section 903(b)(3) of Regulation S, being until at least
the expiry of one year after the later of (i) the time when the Shares
are first offered to persons other than distributors in reliance upon
Regulation S and (ii) the date of closing of the Placing, or such longer
period as may be required under applicable law or as determined
by the Company
Dodge Roll SPA the share sale and purchase agreement made between the
Company and the Dodge Roll Sellers dated 2 July 2021, pursuant
to which the Company acquired all of the membership units of
Dodge Roll, further details of which are set out in paragraph 13.11
of Part VI of this document
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Enlarged Share Capital the issued share capital of the Company immediately following
Admission, comprising the Existing Shares, the Fundraising Shares,
the Options Shares, the Options Sale Shares and the Contingent
Consideration Shares
EU European Union
Euroclear UK & International Euroclear UK & International Limited, a company incorporated under
the laws of England and Wales with registered number 2878738 and
the operator of CREST
Executive Directors the executive Directors of the Company as at the date of this
document, being Harry August Miller IV, Douglas Graham Morin and
Daniel Widdicombe
Existing Founders Harry Miller, Rick Stults, Graeme Struthers, Nigel Lowrie
Existing Sale Shares the 94,905,020 Shares (being part of the Existing Shares) to be sold
by the Selling Shareholders pursuant to the Placing
Existing Share Plan Devolver Digital, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan approved by its
stockholders on 3 November 2017
Existing Shares or Existing the 11,422,654 Shares in issue and outstanding as at the date of
Share Capital this document (which includes the Non-Voting Shares but does not
include the Treasury Shares)
FCA or Financial Conduct the Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom
Authority
Firefly Group Firefly Holdings Limited, Firefly Studios Inc. and Firefly Studios Limited
Firefly SPA the share sale and purchase agreement made between the
Company and the Firefly Sellers dated 24 June 2021, pursuant to
which the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of Firefly
Holdings Limited (and its shareholdings in the Firefly Group), further
details of which are set out in paragraph 13.12 of Part VI of this
document
Fundraising the Placing of the New Placing Shares and the Subscription for the
Subscription Shares, the proceeds of which are receivable by the
Company
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Gambitious SPA the share sale and purchase agreement made between the
Company and the Gambitious Sellers dated 7 January 2021,
pursuant to which the Company acquired the entire issued share
capital of the Gambitious Group, further details of which are set out
in paragraph 13.9 of Part VI of this document
Historical Financial Information the consolidated financial information of the Group for the three
years ended 31 December 2020, and the six months ended 30 June
2021, as set out in Section B of Part IV of this document
Lock-In and Orderly Market the lock-in and orderly-market deeds entered into by the Locked-In
Deeds Persons, the Company and the Sole Bookrunner details of which
are set out in paragraph 13 of Part I of this document
Locked-In Persons those persons, as set out in paragraph 13 of Part I of this document
Nerial SPA the share sale and purchase agreement made between the
Company and the Nerial Sellers dated 29 April 2021 (and as
amended on 19 July 2021), pursuant to which the Company
acquired the entire issued share capital of Nerial, further details of
which are set out in paragraph 13.10 of Part VI of this document
NetEase Entities NetEase (Hong Kong) Limited and NetEase Interactive Entertainment
Pte. Ltd.
New Placing Shares the 21,288,428 new Shares to be issued by the Company pursuant
to the Placing
Nominated Adviser and Broker the agreement entered into on or about the date of this document
Agreement between the Company, the Directors and Zeus Capital pursuant to
which the Company has appointed Zeus Capital to act as nominated
adviser and broker to the Company, summary details of which are
set out in paragraph 13.4 of Part VI of this document
Nomination Committee the nomination committee of the Board, as constituted from time to
time
Non-Executive Directors the non-executive directors of the Company as at the date of this
document, being Karen (Kate) Elizabeth Marsh, Joanne (Jo)
Goodson, Jeffrey Lyndon Ko and Janet Astall
Non-Voting Shares the non-voting common stock of USD 0.0001 par value, which will
be reclassified into Shares on a 1:1 for basis immediately prior to
Admission as part of the Pre-IPO Reorganisation
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Normalised adjustments made, to the extent applicable and where the context
requires, in order to normalise the presentation of financial
information of the Group arising from (a) the removal of the financial
impact of the outperformance of Fall Guys compared to the pre-
release internal budgets of the Group (b) the removal of the proceeds
of the sale of the publishing rights and (c) the adding back of
Founder bonuses
Options options to purchase Shares granted under the Existing Share Plan
details of which are included in paragraph 6 of Part VI of this
document
Options Sale Shares the 3,387,720 Shares which do not form part of the Existing Share
Capital and which shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of
Options and sold by the Options Selling Shareholders pursuant to
the Placing
Options Selling Shareholders those persons who have exercised Options in order to sell the
resulting Options Sale Shares in the Placing
Options Shares the 1,324,120 Shares which do not form part of the Existing Share
Capital and which shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of
Options and not sold pursuant to the Placing
Order the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion)
Order 2005, as amended
Placees the subscribers for New Placing Shares and purchasers of Sale
Shares pursuant to the Placing
Placing the conditional placing of the Placing Shares at the Placing Price
pursuant to the Placing Agreement
Placing Agreement the conditional agreement entered into on or about the date of this
document between the Company, the Directors, the Selling
Shareholders, the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement
Agent, in relation to the Placing and Admission, summary details of
which are set out in paragraph 13.1 of Part VI of this document
Placing Shares the New Placing Shares and the Sale Shares
Pre-IPO Reorganisation the reorganisation of the Company to take effect immediately prior
to Admission, involving, among other things, (i) the conversion of
outstanding Non-Voting Shares into Shares on a 1:1 basis; (ii) the
35 to 1 stock split effected as a share dividend of 34 shares for every
1 share outstanding; and (iii) certain amendments to the Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws, details of which are set out in
paragraph 4.4 of Part VI of this document
Prospectus Regulation Rules the prospectus regulation rules made by the FCA under Part VI of
the FSMA, as amended
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QCA Code the Corporate Governance Code 2018 published by the QCA
Qualified Institutional Buyers or has the meaning given by Rule 144A under the Securities Act
QIBs
Remuneration Committee the remuneration committee of the Board, as constituted from time
to time
Sale Shares the Existing Sale Shares and Options Sale Shares
Selling Shareholders those persons who are selling Sale Shares in the Placing, details of
whom are set out in paragraph 22 of Part VI of this document
Shares shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 each
in the capital of the Company, and, where the context requires, any
Depositary Interests representing any shares of such common stock
from time to time
Subscribers persons who are subscribing for the Subscription Shares, being
certain friends and family of the Board and certain persons who were
investors in Good Shepherd
Takeover Code the UK City Code on Takeovers and Mergers published by the Panel
Treasury Shares the 1,064,120 Shares in issue but not outstanding as at the date of
this document which are held by the Company itself in treasury
UK or United Kingdom the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
UK Prospectus Regulation Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of the retained EU law
as defined in the EUWA
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uncertificated or uncertificated recorded on the relevant register of the share or security as being
form held in uncertificated form in CREST and title to which, by virtue of
the CREST Regulations, may be transferred by means of CREST
US or United States means the United States of America, its territories and possessions,
any State of the United States, and the District of Columbia
US Exchange Act the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
US Private Placement Agent Beech Hill Securities, Inc., institutional private placement agent to
the Company in the United States of America
Zeus Capital Zeus Capital Limited, nominated adviser and Sole Bookrunner to
the Company
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GLOSSARY
back catalogue titles released by Devolver Digital in periods prior to the current
financial year
cloud gaming a type of game or platform which runs games on a remote server
and streams the game directly to the user’s device
digital distribution electronic distribution and sale of video games and related content
games-as-a-service or GaaS a business model whereby games receive significant developer post
release support, including multiplayer hosting, community
management, post-release patching, game fixes, downloadable
content and expansions
IP intellectual property
physical distribution physical distribution and sale of video games and related content
pipeline future titles in the Company’s pipeline as at the date of this document
Stadia or Google Stadia a cloud gaming service developed and operated by Google
team members both full-time and part-time employees and independent contractors
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INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
The following information is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the whole of
this document including, in particular, the section headed Risk Factors in Part III of this document.
Shareholders should read the whole of this document and not rely only on this Investment
Highlights section.
Commencing trading in 2009, Devolver is an award-winning video games publisher in the indie games
space, primarily focused on third-party IP. With an emphasis on premium games, Devolver has a back
catalogue of approximately 90 titles. Through recent acquisitions, Devolver now has own-IP franchises, in-
house studios developing first party IP and a complementary publishing brand.
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PART I
1. Introduction
Devolver is an award-winning digital video games publisher and developer in the indie games space.
Recently awarded ‘Publisher of the Year 2021’ by GamesIndustry.biz, Devolver has one of the most
recognisable labels in the indie market. Built over a decade by highly experienced industry veterans with
deep, wide-ranging relationships in the gaming sector, Devolver has a back catalogue of approximately 90
games, including a number of indie cult classics.
Devolver’s proven model curates and publishes high-quality premium games. Devolver leverages its
renowned brand to help enhance the discoverability of partner studios and their games. Devolver boosts
visibility of titles through its established global network of partners and platforms and by targeting gamers
through original and focused marketing.
Founded by current members of the senior management team Harry Miller (Executive Chairman), Rick Stults
(Finance and HR Manager), Graeme Struthers (Head of Publishing) and Nigel Lowrie (Head of Marketing),
together with Mike Wilson, Devolver has positioned itself as the “developers’ publisher”. Devolver helps
developers to scale through its know-how in critical areas, such as operations and cost management; game
production; and development and digital distribution strategy.
Devolver is the highest-rated indie publisher of scale on Metacritic and over 90 per cent. of its titles have
been profitable1. Many titles continue to generate revenue years after launch. The success of Devolver’s
model is reflected in attractive financial characteristics, including consistent revenue and EBITDA growth.
In the year to 31 December 2020, Devolver generated $212.7 million of revenue, and $80.6 million of
Adjusted EBITDA. In the period ending 31 December 2020, Normalised revenue and Normalised Adjusted
EBITDA was $71.1 million and $15.8 million respectively, with a Normalised Adjusted EBITDA margin of
22.2 per cent. Devolver successfully delivered CAGR of 29.4 per cent. in Normalised annual revenues and
65.2 per cent. in Normalised Adjusted EBITDA between 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2020. In
the six months ended 30 June 2021 Devolver generated $46.4 million of Normalised revenue, and $12.6
million of Normalised Adjusted EBITDA compared to $23.9 million of Normalised revenue, and $3.6 million
of Normalised Adjusted EBITDA in the six months ended 30 June 2020.
Devolver has begun to selectively acquire studios and IP that enhance its pipeline and support its long-term
international growth strategy. Since the beginning of 2020, Devolver has acquired five of its long-term partner
development studios and a second publishing brand. As a digital-first brand, the majority of Devolver’s staff
work remotely and have done so since founding. Currently the Group has approximately 200 team members
spread across the globe in Europe, North America and Asia. The Group has subsidiaries in the United
Kingdom, the Netherlands, Croatia, Poland and the United States.
The Group is seeking admission to AIM to; build on its scalable platform for international, long-term growth;
increase its profile and brand-awareness globally; create an immediate and ongoing source of capital; and
create a currency of its own shares, which can be used for organic growth and inorganic expansion through
acquisitions.
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Harry, Rick and Mike reunited in 2007 to found video games publisher Gamecock Media Group
(“Gamecock”). Devolver co-founders Graeme Struthers and Nigel Lowrie later joined Gamecock, working
on their first venture with Harry, Rick and Mike. In 2008, Gamecock was sold to SouthPeak Games.
Devolver was formed as a digital-only developer-first publisher, which principally released titles on PC via
Steam. The Group initially published a number of titles in the Serious Sam series, a franchise whose first
games had been co-published by G.O.D. Games. Working with original developer Croteam and other small
studios, Devolver successfully published several Serious Sam titles for release on PC and mobile.
Following this early financial success, the Group branched out and began collaborating on new franchises
and titles with other development studios. Devolver’s first breakout hit was Hotline Miami in 2012. It received
critical acclaim putting Devolver in the indie spotlight. This was followed up by a sequel, Hotline Miami 2,
which was published in 2015.
In 2013, Devolver released Shadow Warrior, a reboot of a title released in 1997 originally developed by 3D
Realms, a partner studio in G.O.D. Games. Devolver licensed the IP for the franchise alongside Polish video
game developer Flying Wild Hog, with the aim of creating a newly imagined title and revitalising the series.
The success of the reboot led to Devolver partially acquiring the Shadow Warrior IP rights and a sequel was
released in 2016. Devolver acquired the IP outright in 2018. The third title in the rebooted series is scheduled
for an upcoming release, adding to what has proven to be a lucrative franchise for Devolver.
The Group has expanded its presence beyond PC games through new releases and porting titles to other
platforms. It has subsequently built strong relationships with console and mobile digital distributors. In 2016,
Devolver released Enter the Gungeon, a fast-paced dungeon crawler and shooter, on PC and PlayStation.
The title was ported to Xbox a year later, and then to Switch at the end of 2017. The title was a success for
Devolver and US-based developer Dodge Roll (acquired by Devolver in July 2021), generating over
$25 million of revenue. The title was released on Stadia in 2020, over four years after first being published.
Devolver has continued to build a broad portfolio of premium indie games, with a back catalogue of
approximately 90 titles. Most recently, Devolver experienced runaway success with the exceptional
outperformance of Fall Guys, which was released in August 2020. Developed by British studio Mediatonic,
the game was an instant hit, quickly becoming the most downloaded PlayStation Plus title in history. The
game generated $150.5 million revenue in the year to 31 December 2020 alone. Mediatonic was acquired
by Epic Games in March 2021, at which point the Group sold the publishing rights to Epic Games. Devolver
has retained the merchandising rights for Fall Guys for six years.
The success and publishing rights sale of Fall Guys provided Devolver with the capital to accelerate its long
term growth strategy, with targeted M&A acquisitions and investment in 2021 and 2022. Acquisitions made
to-date include Devolver’s long-term partner studios Croteam, Dodge Roll and Nerial, as well as another
developer, Firefly, and complementary publisher Good Shepherd. Further information relating to the
acquisitions can be found in paragraph 4.8 of this Part I.
Mike Wilson ceased active involvement with the Group in 2017, and Devolver’s CEO Douglas Morin, CFO
Daniel Widdicombe and General Counsel Brian Chadwick have joined the Group, preparing Devolver for
the next stage of its evolution and entry to the public markets.
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Video gaming is a truly global pastime. In 2020, the United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific
represented 25.8 per cent., 18.8 per cent. and 48.2 per cent. of the total video games market
respectively2. Devolver has direct exposure to all these regions and has a well-executed strategy in
Asia. The Group aims to continue to grow in the region through an established distribution and media
partner network overseen by locally based Devolver team members.
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The Founders identified this key trend in the market, and purposefully established Devolver as a
digital-first publisher. Having embraced digital distribution from the outset, Devolver is well-positioned
to continue to win digital market share.
Demand for quality content has surged in recent years. In 2010, PC gaming and the three main
console makers, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo each competed for consumers’ time and loyalty.
Through the addition of the cloud gaming operators such as Google Stadia, the growth of Steam
and the addition of new stores and subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass and Apple Arcade,
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the demand for quality games which draw consumers to specific platforms is at an all-time high. This
benefits Devolver in two distinct ways:
1. platforms and stores will provide advanced payments for exclusivity over a new title for a fixed
period post-release. The advanced payments can offset some or all of the cost of development
and publishing, substantially de-risking Devolver’s model; and
2. subscription services will pay publishers for bundles of back catalogue games to use on their
platform, providing Devolver with another lever to monetise its back catalogue.
Devolver’s strong brand in the indie space means that the Group attracts high-quality game ideas
from developers. This contributes to the Group’s track record for publishing high-quality titles that
consistently score well with critics and gamers, fuelling a virtuous circle that drives increased demand
for games published by Devolver.
Developers need help to be discovered as title release volume is increasing, driven by the lower
barriers of entry to development which digital distribution provides. The number of titles released on
Steam annually has grown from 285 in 2009 to 9,692 in 20203. The growing number of developers
releasing titles across a broader set of platforms makes it increasingly difficult for studios to
differentiate their games to distributors and gamers.
Working with Devolver brings key advantages to developers that help to enhance the discoverability
of their titles. Devolver has a well-established and recognisable label in the indie market and has
decade-long relationships with digital distributors. Devolver can use its marketing expertise and
platform contacts to drive exposure for indie developers that they may otherwise struggle to achieve.
Influencers and social media continue to impact the video games sector, with the largest streamers
drawing the eyes of over 400 million viewers every month. Devolver has one of the largest social
media followings in the indie gaming space, with over 750,000 social media followers across Western
and Asia-focused platforms. Devolver works with a spectrum of streamers and influencers to extend
the reach of their titles.
4. Business description
4.1 Business overview
Beginning in 2009, Devolver has partnered with over 60 developers to publish over 90 indie games,
primarily through third-party publishing agreements. More recently, the Group has acquired standalone
IP and long-term development partners, which has brought franchises in-house.
Third-party partnerships have been essential to Devolver’s success to-date, and still form the majority
of Devolver’s published titles. However, over the last twelve months Devolver has also acquired eight
franchises, increasing the Company’s first-party IP. Management consider that there are advantages
to having a balanced business model, allowing the Group to work with the newest and most
innovative indie developers as their publisher, as well as owning and developing its own stable of
games.
Titles are generally either fully or partially funded by Devolver. In limited cases, funding is not provided
for development if the studio does not require it. Funding is structured in varying amounts through
developer advances pursuant to a milestone plan. Generally, once costs are recouped, future revenue
is apportioned between Devolver and the developer based on equitable sharing agreements.
Devolver’s range of services include project and lifecycle management; development and production
assistance; publishing; and technical and creative support. Devolver generates pre-release interest
through tailored marketing programmes, PR, promotions, and leveraging digital distributor platform
relationships. The Group’s broad offering continues to attract both established and early-stage
developers. Of the 29 development partners working on pipeline titles, 9 are repeat partners. The
process from identification to post-release management can been seen in the diagram below.
3 Source: SteamSpy.
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Devolver’s approach is successful – over 90 per cent. of titles5 published since inception have
generated a positive return on investment. The average payback time on a title is four months.
Devolver’s greenlight process filters inbound proposals down to 12 to 15 titles for release annually.
The Group assesses options across a wide variety of genres, styles, formats and geographies.
Devolver’s idea meritocracy culture is key to this discovery process, with anyone in the team able to
put forward a game for review.
Promising ideas will receive input from members of the team from across the Group, including
production, marketing, technology, finance and more. Devolver looks for titles that are creative,
exciting, high quality, innovative and responsible.
Devolver’s core greenlight team is made up of industry veterans with many decades of cumulative
experience, who can recognise high-potential games and development teams. Following input from
all areas of the business, the greenlight committee must unanimously agree to sign a title, taking into
consideration Devolver’s current capabilities and games roster.
4 Source: Devolver management information and analysis; Devolver social media accounts.
5
in the period from 2017 to 2020
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4.2 Pipeline
Devolver’s principal operations rely upon generating a strong pipeline of titles year-on-year. Currently,
the core Devolver business has a pipeline of over 30 games scheduled for release over the next two
years and beyond. As a result, the Group has full title visibility until the third quarter of 2023.
Devolver’s brand pull and genuine connections with developers ensures that title acquisition cost is
low. Alongside the significant number of new inbound propositions, the Group can rely upon its stable
of trusted partners to provide innovative title concepts. Approximately 42 per cent. of pipeline tiles
will come from repeat developer relationships. In the immediate pipeline (games scheduled for release
in 2021 and 2022), Devolver has an approximate combined development budget of $35.0 million for
planned pipeline titles in the remainder of 2021 and 2022, of which management estimates
approximately 67.0 per cent. will have been invested at the time of Admission.
Recent acquisitions have increased the number of own-IP titles in the pipeline. Devolver currently
holds the rights to nine own-IP franchises, up from one in 2019. The addition of Good Shepherd,
which is a complementary publishing brand, will increase the number of titles published by the Group
each year.
Devolver has used a portion of the consideration from Fall Guys to invest in the future pipeline,
increasing the overall budgets for development, marketing and PR for selected titles. Further
information can be found in paragraph 5(d) below of this Part I.
6 As of 30 June 2021, adjusted for the sale of Fall Guys and Scum publishing rights.
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Devolver has achieved an average Normalised back catalogue revenue contribution of 60.8 per cent.,
providing a strong and stable contribution to sales. This has increased from 41.8 per cent. in 2015.
*Note that the above includes Fall Guys and Scum titles although the publishing rights for both were sold in H1 FY21
Devolver has concentrated on the playability, mechanics, uniqueness and stickiness of its titles.
Accordingly, Devolver has a strong back catalogue of long-lifecycle games.
Many of Devolver’s best performing titles have been developed with a focus on the gameplay
experience and are not designed to a high visual fidelity, in contrast to big budget AAA titles.
Successful games such as Hotline Miami and Loop Hero have ‘retro’ styles that provide an evergreen
quality. Other titles, such as Death’s Door from two person-developer Acid Nerve, have been critically
acclaimed for their visually appealing style. Other popular Devolver titles, such as those in the Shadow
Warrior franchise, have bigger budgets and a greater focus on graphical and theatrical values.
7 Source: Devolver management information; 2020 includes budgeted Fall Guys revenue; chart also includes an additional title for
which the publishing rights have been sold as of 30 June 2021; game level financials are on a cash basis; 2015 to 2017 unaudited.
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Devolver’s culture, brand, and innovative marketing and promotion campaigns have helped games
establish loyal followings and cult status in the indie space. Enter the Gungeon generated its highest
year of sales in the third year of release, and sequels have typically served to increase sales of the
prequel, rather than cannibalise them.
Of the top 10 titles by revenue for the year ended 31 December 2020 (including only budgeted sales
for Fall Guys), five were back catalogue releases, with those titles generating 21.0 per cent. of total
revenue. Management are confident that the back catalogue will continue to be a strong supporting
factor for revenues, with many new avenues for further monetising the back catalogue being explored.
Further information on how the Group will generate value from the back catalogue can be found in
paragraph 5 of this Part I below.
A prudent approach to planning, budgeting and appropriately investing in individual titles has
ensured that Devolver continues to generate profits from a wide mix of games.
In the twelve-month period ended 31 December 2020, Normalised sales from the top 5
performing titles contributed approximately 41.3 per cent. to total revenue, with the remaining
titles in the portfolio contributing approximately 58.7 per cent.
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4.4.2 Platform
Devolver’s Normalised revenues are varied across platforms, with 45.5 per cent. of revenue
from PC, 37.2 per cent. from console, 14.0 per cent. from mobile and 3.3 per cent. other in
the twelve-month period ended 31 December 2020. In contrast, the year ended 31 December
2018 saw 65.4 per cent. of revenues from PC, 29.1 per cent. from console and 5.4 per cent.
from mobile. The Group has continued to diversify revenues and reduce reliance on one
medium. Devolver is continuing to capitalise on the growth in the mobile segment, with a
growing mobile title offering.
Devolver has strong relationships with digital distribution partners across all platforms, including
Steam, Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple Arcade, Stadia, BiliBili, NetEase and Tencent,
further details of which can be found in paragraph 4.5.2 of this Part I.
4.4.3 Genre
Devolver’s selection process has no bias towards any one individual genre and the Group has
released titles in a variety of genres including role playing games (“RPGs”), top-down shooter,
beat em’ up, action adventure, point and click, first person shooter (“FPS”) and more.
Diversification ensures Devolver’s games appeal to a broad fan base.
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Devolver’s titles encompass a number of artistic styles, varying in visual fidelity, environment
and storyline. This range allows Devolver’s titles to reach a wide audience, limiting exposure to
trends in one genre and expanding the brand following and fan base.
4.4.4 Geography
Devolver’s revenues are not concentrated in a single geographical area, limiting exposure to
any one market. In 2020, Steam unit sales from North America and Latin America were
26.4 per cent. and 10.2 per cent. respectively, and Western Europe comprised 17.9 per cent.
of units sold. Devolver is currently experiencing strong growth in the Asia Pacific region.
Asia Pacific is now Devolver’s second largest market by Steam unit sales, at 26.2 per cent. of
units sold. Growth to-date has been driven by demand in the region, rather than any targeted
campaigns. User bases have grown with limited input from the Group, and Asia Pacific
continues to represent a significant opportunity.
These repeat and successful relationships de-risk the pipeline. Acquisition cost for games is
minimal as trusted partners return to Devolver with their new ideas, and IP owners have
confidence in Devolver to deliver a high-quality game. Working with such a broad range of
studios also allows access to specialists in a range of genres, enhancing the quality of
Devolver’s portfolio.
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other publishers. For example, Twitch, who Devolver has been involved with for over 10 years,
hosted the digital Devolver Direct event, which was promoted free of charge on Twitch’s main
channel.
Titles published by Devolver can be promoted to prominent positions on the front page of
digital marketplaces, increasing game interest and driving sales. Platforms are increasingly
searching for content, for example to provide under subscription and streaming models.
Providers know to look to Devolver’s rich portfolio of titles for content. Devolver provides an
uplift that developers may struggle to achieve on their own.
In the PC space, Devolver has a long-term relationship with Steam. Devolver also has
connections with other storefronts, including GOG (over 10 years), Humble Bundle (8 years)
and Epic Games (2 years). In the console space, Devolver has worked with the major console
providers, such as PlayStation and Xbox, for over ten years. In the mobile space, a growing
area of revenue for the Group, Devolver has a 10 year relationship with Apple and Google Play,
and links to key partners in Asia, include NetEase Games, BiliBili and Tencent Games.
Devolver also has strong relationships with newer entrants and alternative game mediums. In
Virtual Reality (“VR”), Devolver has a five year relationship with Oculus, and a four year
relationship with Stadia in cloud gaming.
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Within Devolver’s portfolio, there are five multi-title franchises, Serious Sam, Shadow Warrior,
Enter the Gungeon, Reigns and Hotline Miami. Of these, Devolver owns the IP of all but Hotline
Miami.
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Each franchise provides long-term revenue generation beyond the first two years post-release.
For example, Enter the Gungeon, which was released in May 2016, generated 70 per cent. of
its total cumulative revenue from 2018 to 2020, excluding the six-month period 30 June 2021.
On a title basis, nine games within the portfolio have generated more than $10 million in
revenue since their release. In total four own-IP games have generated more than $10 million
in revenue since their lifetime.
Devolver strives to deliver original and high-quality titles. The Group has attained a Metacritic
rating of 75 over its entire lifetime and an average score of 76 from 2018 to present.
13 Source: Devolver management information; vertical bars indicate lifetime revenues, chart is not exhaustive and only includes
Devolver titles.
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With the acquisition of Good Shepherd and Firefly, the Group has added over 30 titles to its portfolio.
Titles include a number of licensed IP games published by Good Shepherd, and instalments in the
Stronghold series developed and published by Firefly.
Success in the Asian market to-date has been established through a demand-driven model. Devolver
has built strong relationships with partners in the region, including BiliBili, Tencent and NetEase, with
the latter becoming an investor in the Company.
Devolver will continue to pursue a demand-driven, low-risk approach by making use of existing
relationships in the region through local PR advisers and strategic team members. Devolver will gain
increasing exposure to the market as part of wider strategic efforts to improve localisation.
4.8 M&A
The Company recently embarked on an M&A program of acquiring developer studios, having made
five acquisitions since 2020. The cash generated from the huge success of Fall Guys and the
subsequent sale of its publishing rights has provided the Group with additional capital to accelerate
its long-term growth strategy, investing in developer studios and other initiatives. Devolver has
acquired and integrated long-term partners and friends, formalising relationships that have existed
for up to 20 years.
For most of these studios, moving in-house to Devolver has been a natural evolution, as the length
and success of these partnerships has built strong ties and mutual trust. In welcoming these
businesses into the fold, Devolver will continue to evolve those partnerships. Devolver has also
strategically acquired long-term associates who have not previously had a commercial relationship
with the Group, but whose culture was similar and well understood.
Familiarity and shared understanding with these partner studios and long-term contacts lowers
integration risk. The Directors believe that bringing these businesses into the Group will unlock
additional sources of revenue and provide margin enhancement.
Croteam
Acquired in October 2020, Croteam is a Croatia-based developer with 32 developers and 38 total
team members. Devolver has published 12 games with Croteam, the most of any single developer.
14 Average of Metacritic scores for Devolver games released in the respective years, only including games which have a score available
on Metacritic, not all titles.
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Devolver’s Founders’ relationship with Croteam stretches back to partnerships with G.O.D. Games
and Gamecock Media. Titles in the Serious Sam franchise were the first games published by the
Group, proving to be a ground-breaking series for Devolver. Croteam will continue to develop Serious
Sam, Talos Principle and new IP games published under the Devolver brand. Bringing such a key
long-term partner in-house will improve margins on some of the Group’s biggest titles.
Good Shepherd
Acquired in January 2021, Good Shepherd is a Netherlands-based publisher that also majority owns
a Polish development studio, Artificer. The combined business has 56 total team members with 35
developers working at Artificer. Established in 2011 with independent investment from some of the
Devolver founders, Good Shepherd will continue publishing third party and licensed IP titles, as well
as Artificer’s own-IP titles. Good Shepherd brings a complementary publishing brand to the Group
with a more selective and streamlined pipeline with niche titles, a focus on strategy and simulation
games and partnerships with large IP owners such as Disney, Lionsgate and Metro Goldwyn Mayer.
Nerial
Acquired in May 2021, Nerial is a UK-based development studio with 16 developers and 17 total
team members, creating story-focused strategic games. Nerial has six titles published or in production
with Devolver with a combined cumulative revenue of over $10 million. Devolver published Nerial’s
first major title Reigns, released in 2016, and has continued to publish their titles since then. Devolver
will continue to publish Nerial’s titles, benefiting from the margin enhancement of bringing IP in-house.
Firefly Studios
Acquired in June 2021, Firefly is a UK-based video games studio with 26 developers and 36 total
team members, who create historical real-time strategy (RTS) titles for PC, best known for the
Stronghold franchise. Whilst Devolver has never published a Firefly title, earlier Stronghold instalments
have been published by the founders at G.O.D Games and Gamecock Media. Firefly have since used
a variety of publishers and also self-published their titles. The acquisition of Firefly will expand
Devolver’s presence in the RTS space and free-to-play games. Firefly brings additional titles to the
back catalogue, which will continue to generate revenue for the Group.
Dodge Roll
Acquired in July 2021, Dodge Roll is a US-based video games studio with four team members, who
are all developers. Dodge Roll’s first major partnership with Devolver was Enter the Gungeon in 2016,
which was a breakout hit, selling over four million units and making over $25 million revenue. This
was followed by Exit the Gungeon, which launched on Apple Arcade in 2019. Acquiring Dodge Roll
has brought a key piece of IP in-house, which the Directors believe will improve margins. Dodge Roll
will continue to develop games published by Devolver, building on existing franchises and generating
new concepts.
5. Growth Strategy
a) Execute and build pipeline
Devolver will continue to publish critically-acclaimed and independent games under the Devolver
brand, targeting approximately twelve to fifteen titles per year. The Group’s existing pipeline includes
over 30 titles, of which approximately 42 per cent. are from repeat developer relationships. The Group
will also publish further titles under the Good Shepherd brand, bringing different game styles to a
wider audience and adding licensed IP to the release schedule.
The pipeline includes third-party titles, acquired IP titles, such as the Shadow Warrior franchise, and
titles from recently-acquired subsidiary studios. Devolver will build upon existing momentum,
identifying and building new franchises. Managing the breakout success of Fall Guys has elevated
Devolver’s profile, proving that the Group can handle hit titles on a grand scale.
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Devolver’s rich portfolio of titles may mean that subscription services, such as Xbox Gamepass and
PlayStation Plus, will come to Devolver prepared to pay one-off fees for titles for their platforms. New
entrants into the streaming market are also looking to Devolver for content for their services. Further
revenue can be generated by including titles in bundles, as well as promoting publisher specific sales
on digital marketplaces.
Porting titles across platforms opens up games to new player bases, and can be released in
conjunction with targeted marketing campaigns and bundle deals. Localising titles in new languages
expands the addressable market for a game and drives back catalogue sales.
In franchises such as Hotline Miami Devolver has managed to boost unit sales of the initial title when
bringing out a sequel. With targeted promotion, Devolver can continue to capitalise on franchise
release interest rather than cannibalising revenues.
Increased investment includes better game selection, more gameplay testing, improved porting and
localisation services, and bigger marketing campaigns. ‘Improving our craft’ allows the Group to
better capitalise on the momentum of initial releases by simultaneously releasing titles on multiple
platforms and in multiple geographies.
The Group has selectively added individual talent as it has grown, bringing on industry experts with
years of relevant experience. Taking on new industry veterans adds to the already growing breadth
of services and deeper capabilities.
The Group’s acquisition strategy will remain considered and selective, and management will take a
prudent approach to M&A. Alongside trusted partners, the Group will also consider acquiring non-
partner businesses which provide complementary IP, products or services.
The Directors believe that, in cases where Devolver has previously published titles with developers,
bringing them in-house will improve margins and reinforce successful relationships. In cases where
Devolver hasn’t published a studio’s titles, acquisitions will provide incremental revenue. Devolver can
energise back catalogues and add value to new releases in development, production and marketing.
The Group can help to accelerate porting and localisation plans, and include titles in publisher sales,
buyout deals and more.
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Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021
Audited Audited Audited Audited
$000 $000 $000 $000
Turnover 42,472 58,749 212,738 46,443
Cost of Sales (33,069) (44,328) (121,045) (30,727)
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
Gross profit 9,403 14,421 91,693 15,716
Administrative expenses (4,957) (6,033) (14,533) (27,408)
Other income – 1,900 – 115,280
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
Group operating profit 4,446 10,288 77,160 103,588
Adjusted EBITDA 4,802 10,634 80,573 118,332
Finance income 22 61 101 25
Finance costs – – (104) –
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
Profit on ordinary activities before tax 4,468 10,349 77,157 103,613
––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
––––––––––––
To demonstrate a Normalised financial profile for the Group, the Directors have presented Normalised
unaudited financial information for key performance indicators. The adjustments made, to the extent
applicable and where the context requires, relate to the removal of the financial impact of the outperformance
of Fall Guys compared to the pre-release internal budgets of the Group; the removal of the proceeds of sale
of publishing rights and IP; and the adding back of Founder bonuses. The table below shows the Normalised
revenue, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA for the Group. A bridge from the audited financial information to
the Normalised financial information can be found in Part II.
Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021
$000 $000 $000 $000
Normalised Revenue 42,472 58,749 71,104 46,443
Normalised Revenue Growth n/a 38.3% 21.0% 94.7%
Revenues rose to record highs in the year to 31 December 2020, with a significant contribution from the
success of Fall Guys. On a Normalised basis, which excludes the non-budgeted performance of Fall Guys,
the year ended 31 December 2020 was still a record year with revenue of $71.1 million, driven by the
performance of new releases and a significant contribution from the large number of quality titles within the
back catalogue. Revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2021 includes two months of contribution from
Fall Guys (amounting to $3.9 million), supported by strong performance in the back catalogue.
Cost of sales primarily relate to royalty costs paid to developers, developments costs for own IP games and
marketing costs.
Administrative expenses primarily relates to payroll costs, in addition to professional fees, amortisation (added
back in Adjusted EBITDA), travel and office costs. These costs were proportionately higher in the year ended
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31 December 2020 and six months ended 30 June 2021 due to an increase in staff numbers, bonuses paid
as a result of the strong Fall Guys performance, and stock-based compensation.
Other income in year ended 31 December 2019 and six months ended 30 June 2021 was generated from
the sale of own-IP and game publishing rights.
Adjusted EBITDA has increased from $4.8 million in the twelve months ended 2018 to $80.6 million in the
twelve months ended 2020 which is primarily driven by the success of Fall Guys. On a Normalised basis in
the period ending December 2020 an Adjusted EBITDA of $15.8 million was still achieved, representing
growth of 35.9 per cent. versus the period ending December 2019. Adjusted EBITDA margins have
increased from 11.3 per cent. in 2018, to 18.1 per cent. in 2019, 37.9 per cent. in 2020 and 254.7 per cent.
in the six months to 30 June 2021. On a Normalised basis Adjusted EBITDA margins have increased from
13.6 per cent. in 2018, to 19.8 per cent. in 2019, 22.2 per cent. in 2020 and 27.1 per cent. in the six months
to 30 June 2021.
The business address of all of the Directors is 3267 Bee Caves Road, #107 (Box 63) Austin,
Texas 78746, United States.
The management expertise and experience of each of the Directors is set out below:
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As part of the Placing, the Selling Shareholders have agreed to sell, in aggregate, 98,292,740 Sale Shares
at the Placing Price. The Sale Shares will represent approximately 22.2 per cent. of the Enlarged Share
Capital at Admission. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Sale Shares.
Option holders have been given the opportunity to exercise some of their Options and sell the resulting
Option Sale Shares in the Placing. The Option Sale Shares will form part of the Sale Shares for the purposes
of the Placing.
Pursuant to the Placing Agreement, the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent have agreed
to use their respective reasonable endeavours to procure subscribers for the New Placing Shares and
purchasers for the Sale Shares. Zeus Capital is acting as Sole Bookrunner in the United Kingdom and the
European Union and Beech Hill Securities, Inc. is acting as US Private Placement Agent in the United States.
The Company, the Directors and the Selling Shareholders have given certain warranties (and the Company
has given an indemnity) to the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent.
The New Placing Shares being subscribed for pursuant to the Placing will, on Admission, rank pari passu
in all respects with the Existing Shares in issue (including the Sale Shares) and will participate in full for all
dividends and other distributions thereafter declared, made or paid on the share capital of the Company.
Except as noted in Part VII, the Placing Shares will, immediately on and from Admission, be freely
transferable.
The Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent have the right under the Placing Agreement to
terminate the Placing Agreement and not proceed with the Placing if, prior to Admission, certain events
occur including certain force majeure events. If such right is exercised, the Placing will lapse and any monies
received in respect of the Placing will be returned to investors without interest.
Further details of the Placing Agreement are set out in paragraph 13 of Part VI of this document.
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The Subscription will therefore not occur if the Placing and Admission does not also occur.
The Subscription Shares being subscribed for pursuant to the Subscription will, on Admission, rank pari
passu in all respects with the Existing Shares in issue (including the Sale Shares) and will participate in full
for all dividends and other distributions thereafter declared, made or paid on the share capital of the
Company.
The Subscription Shares are subject to transfer restrictions under the US securities laws and may only be
resold in a transaction registered under the US Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption therefrom, which
would generally include a resale on AIM pursuant to the exemption provided by Rule 904 of Regulation S.
Certain of these acquisitions included the right for the selling shareholders of the relevant target companies
to receive additional contingent consideration in the event of certain specified exit events in the form of cash,
Shares or a combination thereof at the election of the Company. Devolver has agreed to treat Admission as
an exit event for the purposes of these agreements accordingly and to pay the additional contingent
consideration, which will be satisfied by the issue of the Contingent Consideration Shares. Accordingly,
Devolver shall issue, conditional upon Admission, in aggregate, 14,472,990 Contingent Consideration
Shares to the selling shareholders of these companies pursuant to; (i) the Dodge Roll SPA; (ii) the Firefly
SPA; and (iii) the Nerial SPA.
The Contingent Consideration Shares shall be issued subject to and conditional upon Admission. The
Contingent Consideration Shares will rank pari passu in all respects with the Existing Shares in issue
(including the Sale Shares) and will participate in full for all dividends and other distributions thereafter
declared, made or paid on the share capital of the Company.
The Contingent Consideration Shares will be subject to transfer restrictions under the US securities laws
and may only be resold in a transaction registered under the US Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption
therefrom, which would generally include a resale on AIM pursuant to the exemption provided by Rule 904
of Regulation S.
12. Options
The Company operates the Existing Share Plan, on the terms described in paragraph 6 of Part VI of this
document.
In connection with Admission, the Company has permitted holders of Options to exercise a defined
proportion of their Options and sell the resulting Options Sale Shares in the Placing. The Options Sale Shares
will be issued by the Company and then sold by the Options Selling Shareholders pursuant to the Placing,
conditional upon Admission.
In addition, in connection with Admission, the Company is permitting holders of Options to exercise a
proportion of their outstanding and vested Options and retain the resulting Shares (rather than sell them in
the Placing). Holders of Options may sell the necessary amount of Option Sale Shares in order to cover the
exercise price. The Options Shares will be issued by the Company conditional upon Admission and will
therefore form part of the Enlarged Share Capital.
Further details of outstanding Options are included in paragraph 6 of Part VI of this document.
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Aggregate
number
Length of of Shares Percentage
Length orderly- subject to the of Enlarged
of lock-in market Lock-in Share
(from (from end of and Orderly Capital as at
Locked-in Person Admission) lock-in period) Market Deeds Admission
The Directors, the Existing Founders 12 months 12 months 250,205,307 56.6%
and the founders of the Group’s subsidiaries
Shareholders (NetEase Entities and FortuneEase L.P.) 6 months 6 months 43,657,950 9.9%
Shareholders (team members of both Devolver 6 months 6 months 8,076,285 1.8%
and the Group’s subsidiaries)
Shareholders (contractors or other non-team members) 6 months 6 months 11,652,025 2.6%
The Subscribers (being certain friends and family 3 months 9 months 285,285 0.1%
of the Board and certain persons who
were investors in Good Shepherd)
Under the terms of the Lock-in and Orderly Market Deeds, the Locked-in Persons have undertaken to the
Company and the Sole Bookrunner not to dispose of any interest in any Shares owned by them or any
connected person for periods of 12 months, 6 months or 3 months from Admission, as specified above
(the “Restricted Period”) and, for further periods of 12 months, 9 months or 6 months, as specified above,
following expiry of the Restricted Period, only to dispose of their Shares through the Sole Bookrunner during
that period in such a way as to maintain an orderly market, except in certain limited circumstances
considered customary for an agreement of this nature. Further details of the Lock-in and Orderly Market
Deeds are contained in paragraph 13.2 of Part VI of this document.
In addition to enabling the Fundraising, the Directors believe that Admission will, inter alia, provide access
to capital on an ongoing basis to fund the Group’s organic growth and M&A strategy, further enhance the
Group’s reputation as an ethical publisher and create a currency of the Group’s shares.
15. Taxation
Information regarding taxation is set out in paragraph 18 of Part VI of this document.
These details are intended only as a general guide to the current tax position in the United Kingdom and
the United States. If an investor is in any doubt as to his or her tax position or is subject to tax in a
jurisdiction other than the United Kingdom or the United States, he or she should consult his or her own
independent financial adviser immediately.
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The Shares will be in registered form and will be capable of being held in either certificated or book-entry or
uncertificated form (including in CREST, where they will be represented by Depositary Interests). Accordingly,
following Admission, settlement of transactions in the Shares so represented by Depositary Interests may
take place within the CREST system if a Shareholder so wishes. In respect of Shareholders who will receive
Placing Shares in uncertificated form, Depositary Interests representing interests in underlying Shares will
be credited to their CREST share accounts on 4 November 2021. Shareholders who wish to receive and
retain share certificates are able to do so.
CREST is a voluntary, paperless settlement procedure enabling securities (including Depositary Interests) to
be evidenced otherwise than by a certificate and transferred otherwise than by way of a written instrument
in accordance with the CREST Regulations. The system is designed to reduce the costs of settlement and
facilitate the processing of settlements and the updating of registers through the introduction of an electronic
settlement system. Depositary Interests representing Shares may be held in electronic form and evidence
of title to Shares will be established on an electronic register maintained by the Registrar in Jersey.
The requirements of the AIM Rules for Companies provide that the Company must, on Admission becoming
effective, have a facility for the electronic settlement of the Shares. As the Company is incorporated in the
United States, its Shares are not eligible to be held directly through CREST and, accordingly, the Company
has established, via the Depositary, a Depositary Interest arrangement. The Depositary Interests representing
the Placing Shares will be issued to the individual Shareholders’ CREST account on a one for one basis
and with the Depositary providing the necessary custodial service. It is expected that, where Placees have
asked to hold their Placing Shares in uncertificated form, they will have their CREST accounts credited with
Depositary Interests on the day of Admission.
Investors who are able to and elect to hold their Shares as Depositary Interests will be bound by a Deed
Poll, executed by the Depositary in favour of the investors from time to time, the terms of which are
summarised in paragraph 19 of Part VI of this document. The rights and obligations pertaining to the
Depositary Interests will be governed by English law. The Depositary Interests are settled within the CREST
system in the same way as any other CREST security. The Shareholders that are non-US Persons have the
choice of whether to hold their Shares in certificated form or in uncertificated form in the form of
Depositary Interests.
The Company’s share register, which will be kept by the Registrar in Jersey, will show the Depositary or its
nominated custodian as the holder of the Shares represented by Depositary Interests but the beneficial
interest will remain with the Shareholders who will continue to receive all the rights attaching to the Shares
as they would have if they had themselves been entered on the Company’s share register. Shareholders
can withdraw their Shares back into certificated form at any time using standard CREST messages.
Those Placees that wish to hold their Shares in certificated form should contact the Registrars. No temporary
documents of title will be issued. Pending the receipt of definitive share certificates in respect of the Shares
(other than in respect of those Shares settled via Depositary Interests through CREST), transfers will be
certified against the Company’s share register.
Existing Shares, Subscription Shares and Contingent Consideration Shares will continue to be held in book-
entry or certificated form registered in the name of the legal holders thereof or their nominees on the
Company’s share register kept by the Registrar in Jersey. Such Shares will remain subject to transfer
restrictions under the US securities laws and may only be resold in a transaction registered under the US
Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption therefrom.
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pursuant to a transaction meeting the requirements of Rules 901 to 905 (including the Preliminary Notes) of
Regulation S, pursuant to an effective registration statement under the US Securities Act or pursuant to
another exemption from the registration requirements of the US Securities Act.
Each subscriber or purchaser of Placing Shares, by subscribing for or acquiring such Placing Shares, and
each other person who deposits Shares into CREST against the issuance of depositary interests agrees to
reoffer or resell the Shares only pursuant to registration under the US Securities Act or in accordance with
the provisions of Regulation S or pursuant to another available exemption from registration, and agrees not
to engage in hedging transactions with regard to such securities unless in compliance with the US Securities
Act. The above restrictions severely restrict subscribers and holders of Shares from reselling the Shares in
the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, any US Person. The Company currently intends
that these restrictions will remain in place indefinitely.
Once the Placing Shares are admitted to trading on AIM, the Placing Shares will trade in the Company’s
restricted line of Shares under the symbol DEVO. The Shares (represented by the Depository Interests)
subscribed for or purchased and held by non-Affiliates of the Company and any Shares subsequently
deposited with CREST against the issuance of depositary interests will be held in the CREST system and
identified with the marker “REG S”. The “REG S” marker indicates that the Shares held in the CREST system
will bear the legend set out in Part VII of this document which describes certain transfer restrictions and
other information, including that: (a) the Shares may not be taken up, offered, sold, resold, delivered or
distributed, directly or indirectly, within, into or from the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of,
US Persons except (i) in an offshore transaction meeting the requirements of Regulation S, (ii) pursuant to
an available exemption from registration under the US Securities Act, or (iii) pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the US Securities Act; and (b) hedging transactions involving the Shares may
not be conducted unless in compliance with the US Securities Act.
The certifications, acknowledgements and agreements set out Part VII of this document must be made
through the CREST system by those acquiring or withdrawing Shares with the “REG S” marker. If such
certifications, acknowledgements and agreements cannot be made or are not made, settlement through
CREST will be rejected. Affiliates of the Company at the time of the Placing, or investors that become
Affiliates at any time after the Placing, should seek advice of independent US legal counsel prior to selling
or transferring any Shares. These restrictions, certifications, as well as the legend that will be affixed to the
Shares (electronically or otherwise), are set out more fully in Part VII of this document.
Paragraph 7 of Part VI of this document contains a description of the principal differences and the changes
made to the Company’s constitutional documents to incorporate English law principles in relation to, inter
alia, share authorities, shareholders’ pre-emptive rights, notifiable interests in shares and takeovers. Further
information on the applicability of the Takeover Code is set out in paragraph 21 of this Part I.
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has decided to adopt, state how it complies with that code and provide an explanation where it departs
from compliance with that code.
The Directors support a high standard of corporate governance and have decided to adopt the QCA Code.
The Directors believe that the QCA Code provides the Company with the framework to help ensure that a
strong level of governance is maintained, enabling the Company to embed the governance culture that
exists within the organisation as part of building a successful and sustainable business for all of its
stakeholders. The Company will comply with the ten principles of the QCA Code, with effect from Admission
as detailed in Part V of this document.
Following Admission, the Board will comprise seven Directors, of which three are Executive Directors and
four are Non-Executive Directors. The Board considers Kate Marsh, Janet Astall, Joanne (Jo) Goodson and
Jeff Lyndon Ko to be independent Non-Executive Directors under the criteria identified in the QCA Code.
The Audit Committee will comprise Kate Marsh, Jeff Lyndon Ko and Janet Astall, who will act as chair. The
Audit Committee will, among other duties, determine and examine matters relating to the financial affairs of
the Company including the terms of engagement of the Company’s auditors and, in consultation with the
auditors, the scope of the audit. It will receive and review reports from management and the Company’s
auditors relating to the half yearly and annual accounts and the accounting and the internal control systems
in use throughout the Company.
The Remuneration Committee will comprise Joanne (Jo) Goodson, Jeff Lyndon Ko and Kate Marsh, who
will act as chair. The Remuneration Committee will review and make recommendations in respect of the
Executive Directors’ remuneration and benefits packages, including share incentive awards and the terms
of their appointment. The Remuneration Committee will also make recommendations to the board
concerning the allocation of share incentive awards to employees under the intended share schemes.
The Nomination Committee will comprise Harry Miller, Janet Astall and Joanne (Jo) Goodson, who will act
as chair. The Nomination Committee will review the composition and efficacy of the Board and where
appropriate recommend nominees as new directors to the Board. It evaluates the balance of skills,
knowledge and experience on the Board and keeps up-to-date and fully informed about strategic issues
and commercial changes affecting the Group and the market in which it operates. It keeps under review
the leadership needs of the organisation, both executive and non-executive, with a view to ensuring the
continued ability of the organisation to compete effectively in the marketplace.
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Declaration of dividends will always remain subject to all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and
recommendations of final dividends and payments of interim dividends will be at the discretion of the Board.
The Board will not exercise such discretion where it is not commercially prudent to do so taking into account
the policy set out above. Whilst the Board considers dividends as the primary method of returning capital
to Shareholders, it may, at its discretion, consider share purchases, when advantageous to Shareholders
and where permissible.
The Board may revise its dividend policy from time to time.
As a result, certain protections that are afforded to shareholders under the Takeover Code, for example in
relation to a takeover of a company or certain stakebuilding activities by shareholders, do not apply to
the Company.
However, the Company has incorporated provisions in the Certificate of Incorporation which seek to provide
Shareholders with certain protections otherwise afforded by the Takeover Code. These include provisions
similar to Rule 9 of the Takeover Code and require that any person who acquires, whether by a series of
transactions over a period of time or not, an interest in shares which, taken together with shares in which
he or she is already interested or in which persons acting in concert with him or her are interested, carry
30 per cent. or more of the voting rights of the company, is normally required to make a general offer to all
the remaining shareholders to acquire their shares.
Similarly, the Certificate of Incorporation also provides that when any person, together with persons acting
in concert with him or her, is interested in shares which, in aggregate, carry more than 30 per cent. of the
voting rights of the Company, but does not hold shares carrying 50 per cent. or more of such voting rights,
a general offer will normally be required if any further interest in shares is acquired by any such person.
These provisions, like others contained in the Certificate of Incorporation, are enforceable by the Company
against Shareholders. However, in the event of non-compliance or a breach by a Shareholder, the Company
would need to take any action to enforce such provisions in the Courts of the State of Delaware without any
guarantee that any such action would be successful or any certainty as to what the costs of doing so
would be.
Further details of the relevant provisions of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws are set
out in paragraph 7 of Part VI of this document. The Certificate of Incorporation incorporates the definition
of “concert party” from the Takeover Code, pursuant to which a concert party arises where persons who,
pursuant to an agreement or understanding (whether formal or informal), co-operate to obtain or consolidate
control of a company or to frustrate the successful outcome of an offer for a company. “Control” for these
purposes means an interest or interests in shares carrying in aggregate 30 per cent. or more of the voting
rights of the company, irrespective of whether the interest or interests give de facto control.
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Immediately following Admission, members of the Concert Party will hold, in aggregate, 172,424,770
Shares, representing approximately 39 per cent. of the Enlarged Share Capital. The Concert Party members
and their respective holdings are detailed below:
1 of which 118,000 are held by family members and other persons connected with him
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PART II
The following discussion and analysis is intended to assist in the understanding and assessment of the
trends and significant changes in the Group’s results of operations and financial condition. Historical results
may not indicate future performance. Some of the information in this section, including information in respect
of the Group’s plans and strategies for the business and expected sources of financing, contains forward-
looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties and is based on assumptions about the Group’s future
business. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements as
a result of a variety of factors, including the risks discussed in Part III: “Risk Factors” of this document.
Potential investors should read “Important Information – Forward Looking Statements” for a discussion of
the risks and uncertainties related to those statements and should also read Part III: “Risk Factors” for a
discussion of certain factors that may affect the business, results of operations or financial condition of the
Group. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Historical Financial Information,
including accompanying notes, included in Part IV: “Historical Financial Information”.
Revenues grew at a CAGR of 123.8 per cent. from 31 December 2018 to 31 December 2020. The
Normalised revenue CAGR for the period was 29.4 per cent. Revenue for the six months ended 30 June
2020 was $23.9 million and increased 94.7 per cent. to $46.4 million in the six months ended 30 June
2021, including two months of contribution from Fall Guys. Adjusted EBITDA grew, year on year, at a CAGR
of 309.6 per cent. from the year ended 31 December 2018 to 31 December 2020. Adjusted EBITDA margins
increased year on year from 11.3 per cent. for the twelve months ended 31 December 2018, to 18.1 per
cent. for the twelve months ended 31 December 2019, to 37.9 per cent. for the twelve months ended
31 December 2020, and to 254.7 per cent., for the six months ended 30 June 2021. On a Normalised
basis Adjusted EBITDA grew, year on year, at a CAGR of 65.2 per cent. from the year ended 31 December
2018 to 31 December 2020. Normalised Adjusted EBITDA margins increased year on year from 13.6 per
cent. for the twelve months ended 31 December 2018, to 19.8 per cent. for the twelve months ended
31 December 2019, to 22.2 per cent. for the twelve months ended 31 December 2020, and to 27.1 per
cent. for the six months ended 30 June 2021. Devolver’s growth strategy has set out a number of targets
and ambitions in terms of scaling of revenues, enhancing margins and improving other financial key
performance indicators. These goals are forward-looking statements, based on the assumptions of the
Directors and senior management. The Directors of Devolver believe that these assumptions are reasonable,
however there is no guarantee that they will prove correct, in either outcome or scale. Devolver’s ability to
achieve these targets will depend upon a number of factors, many of which are outside of the Group’s
control, including significant market, economic and business risks and uncertainties. These include the risks
and uncertainties as described in Part III: Risk Factors. As a result, Devolver’s actual results may vary from
the targets and ambitions set out below, and those variations may be material.
The Group remains on track to deliver its pipeline, with visibility of over 30 future titles. The Directors believe
that Devolver currently has a strong game line-up, built through a balanced mix of third-party and own-IP
titles. The Group expects to complete the financial year with a strong contribution from its extensive back
catalogue, which will continue to complement the comprehensive pipeline of new releases. Managing the
significant outperformance and sale of the publishing rights of Fall Guys, in the year ended 31 December
2020 and six-months ended 30 June 2021, was a resounding success for the Group. The Directors and
senior management are using this success as a springboard to accelerate the growth strategy of the Group.
During the year ended 31 December 2020 spend per game, including Fall Guys itself, has increased to the
highest total of any historical period, continuing an upwards trend which preceded any outperformance in
2020. As a result of Devolver’s growth strategy of improving and refining its craft, average revenue per new
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release is anticipated to increase, driving organic revenue growth. To achieve this growth the Group
anticipates an increase in cost of sales, including spend on marketing costs, development and production
costs, localisation and porting costs. Operating costs will also be higher from an increase in staff costs. The
Group expects that spend per game will continue to be higher versus historical periods, although this may
vary year on year based on the release schedule and requirements of developers. Over the medium-term
Devolver expects that the increase in revenues will match or be greater than the increase in direct and
indirect costs, and result in gross profit and operating margins at least in line with those achieved across
historical periods. In addition to acquiring 100 per cent. of a standalone own-IP franchise in 2018, over the
twelve month period ended 30 June 2021, and with an additional acquisition in July 2021, the Group has
expanded with the addition of five development studios and a complementary publishing brand. Devolver
anticipates these acquisitions will be accretive to margins and revenue growth in the near- to medium-term.
The success of a title at launch is driven by a number of factors, many of which fall outside of the
Group’s control. The performance of titles within the video game industry is affected strongly by
consumer preferences, which heavily impact the performance of new releases. Devolver operates
within the indie segment of the market and has a wide schedule of title releases each year, potentially
cushioning to a degree the impact of consumer behaviour changes on the portfolio as a whole.
Revenue growth in the video games industry is impacted by growth in the number of gamers at any
one time. Currently, the number of global gamers is expected to grow to 3.3 billion by 2024. Consumer
preferences are also affected by changes in the sector’s demographic. For example, the average age
of video game players globally is currently increasing year on year. New title performance of Devolver’s
titles is also driven by the success of marketing and promotional campaigns by the Group.
The success of a title in the back catalogue is impacted by its performance during its initial release,
however there are various other contributory factors. As with new releases, changes in consumer
preferences can influence the back catalogue. Creating and publishing games that have a stickiness
and replay value for gamers helps maintain the longevity of a title. The Directors anticipate that there
will be various options available to energise and derive revenues from the back catalogue, including
porting titles to new platforms, localising titles in new languages, engaging with subscription platforms
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to sign bundle agreements and distribution platform publisher branded sales. In addition, new modes
of consuming games and new entrants to the gaming market are driving increased demand for quality
content, and the Group will seek to take advantage of these favourable market tailwinds.
During the period ended 31 December 2018 to 30 June 2021, the Group has grown gross profit
margins from 22.1 per cent., to 33.8 per cent. In the period ended 30 June 2021 the Normalised gross
profit margin was 33.5 per cent.
The outperformance of specific games also results in increases in gross margins. In the twelve month
period ended 31 December 2020 and in the six month period ended 30 June 2021, the acquisition of
own-IP franchises and partner studios has contributed to an increase in gross profit margins, directly
as a result of a reduction in royalty expenses. Devolver anticipates that further acquisitions and the
further publication of first-party titles will further enhance gross profit margins, although the Group will
continue to publish third-party games as part of its core strategy.
Devolver has also acquired complementary publisher Good Shepherd which was, as in the case of
Firefly, known to management but had no commercial connection to the Group. Devolver expects
these acquisitions to add profitable revenue growth to the Group in the near term. Both bring a pipeline
of upcoming games, as well as additional back catalogue titles that the Directors believe can be
energised as part of the Group’s overall growth strategy.
Incorporating these acquisitions into the Group will be a key focus for the Directors and management
over the short-term. As part of Devolver’s growth strategy, management will also continue to assess
strategic opportunities for further inorganic growth. The success of these businesses under the
Devolver umbrella will impact upon the overall operating performance of the Group.
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*Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation,
amortisation (excluding amortisation of capitalised software development costs) and share-based payment
expenses.
Adjustments applied to reported financial information to Normalise key profit and loss statement
line items
Normalisation adjustments made to the Group’s audited results for the years ended 31 December
2018, 2019 and 2020 and consolidated audited results for the six month period ended 30 June
2021 and unaudited six months ended 30 June 2020
Six months Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021 2020
(unaudited)
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Revenue
Reported revenue 42,472 58,749 212,738 46,443 23,855
Reported revenue growth n/a 38.3% 262.1% 94.7% n/a
Normalised revenue adjustment – – (141,634) – –
Normalised Revenue 42,472 58,749 71,104 46,443 23,855
Normalised revenue growth n/a 38.3% 21.0% 94.7% n/a
Gross Profit
Reported gross profit 9,403 14,421 91,693 15,716 5,913
Reported gross profit margin 24.5% 43.1% 33.8% 24.8%
Normalised gross profit adjustment – – (68,613) (175) –
Normalised gross profit 9,403 14,421 23,080 15,541 5,913
Normalised gross profit margin 22.1% 24.5% 32.5% 33.5% 24.8%
Adjusted EBITDA
Reported Adjusted EBITDA 4,802 10,634 80,573 118,332 3,408
Reported Adjusted EBITDA margin 11.3% 18.1% 37.9% 254.7% 14.3%
Normalised Adjusted EBITDA
adjustment 978 983 (64,791) (105,764) 215
Normalised Adjusted EBITDA 5,780 11,617 15,782 12,568 3,623
Normalised Adjusted EBITDA margin 13.6% 19.8% 22.2% 27.1% 15.2%
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Summary of audited net assets as at 31 December 2018, 2019 and 2020 and 30 June 2021
As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Intangible assets
– goodwill – – – 159 40,117
– other intangible assets 5,133 7,022 12,962 51,573 80,692
Other non-current assets – – – 1,708 1,830
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Total non-current assets 5,133 7,022 12,962 53,440 122,639
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 4,925 5,706 8,399 15,847 9,702
Current tax receivable – – – 361 569
Cash and cash equivalents 5,312 7,467 12,422 43,529 66,801
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Total current assets 10,237 13,173 20,821 59,737 77,072
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
TOTAL ASSETS 15,370 20,195 33,783 113,177 199,711
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity 9,123 12,493 20,642 71,513 170,997
Non-current liabilities – 101 171 920 10,406
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 5,467 7,237 12,061 40,388 11,104
Loans and borrowings – – – 240 288
Other current liabilities 780 364 909 116 6,916
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Total current liabilities 6,247 7,601 12,970 40,744 18,308
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Total liabilities 6,247 7,702 13,141 41,664 28,714
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
TOTAL EQUITY AND
LIABILITIES 15,370 20,195 33,783 113,177 199,711
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
4.1.1 Revenue
Revenue primarily relates to game sales, with a small proportion of merchandise income.
Revenue increased from $42.5 million in the twelve months ended 31 December 2018 to
$58.8 million in the twelve months ended 31 December 2019 and to $212.7 million in the
twelve months ended 31 December 2020. The Normalised revenue in the period ended
December 2020 was $71.1 million. The company has demonstrated strong revenue growth
in the six months ended 30 June 2021, generating $46.4 million of revenue compared to $23.9
million in the six months ended 30 June 2020. Revenue growth from the period ending 31
December 2018 to 30 June 2021 was driven by a mixture of factors including, a high
performing back catalogue of games, successful new game releases and outperformance of
specific games. Notably, the release of Fall Guys in August 2020, contributed to revenue
outperformance in the twelve months ended 31 December 2020.
The Group released 12 games in the twelve months ended 31 December 2018, 14 games in
the twelve months ended 31 December 2019, 10 games in the twelve months ended
31 December 2020 and 3 games in the six months ended 30 June 2021 generating
approximately $16.4 million, $22.3 million, $168.0 million and $7.4 million of revenue
respectively. The Normalised new title revenue in the period ending 31 December 2020 was
$29.2 million. In addition to the success of the new game releases, the Group’s back catalogue
continued to perform strongly, accounting for 60.1 per cent., 61.8 per cent. and 22.0 per cent.
of revenue in the twelve months ended 31 December 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. The
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Normalised back catalogue revenue accounted for 60.5 per cent. of total revenues in the period
ending 31 December 2020. In the six months ended 30 June 2021 the back catalogue
generated $50.3 million compared to $28.8 million in the six months ended 30 June 2020,
accounting for 77.4 per cent. and 94.4 per cent. of revenues, respectively. Growth in back
catalogue revenues throughout the stated periods is driven by more titles being added to the
portfolio during each period, porting titles to new platforms, localisation of titles to enable them
to be release in new geographies and continued marketing of titles.
Devolver released Fall Guys in August 2020, which was an immediate success, generating
$150.5 million of revenue in the twelve months to 31 December 2020 and $3.9 million of
revenue in the six months ended 30 June 2021. Even without the success of Fall Guys, the
Group still generated additional revenue of approximately a further $19.3 million of revenue
from the other nine new games releases in the twelve months ended 31 December 2020.
Royalty costs accounted for 76.5 per cent. of the total cost of sales in the twelve months
ended 31 December 2018, 75.5 per cent. in the twelve months ended 31 December 2019,
85.1 per cent. in the twelve months ended 31 December 2020 and 72.2 per cent. in the six
months ended 30 June 2021. In the twelve months ended 31 December 2020 and the six
months ended 30 June 2021 the Group acquired a number of existing development partners
eliminating royalty payments for those associated titles, resulting in the Group developing more
of their own games compared to historical periods (rather than contracting a
developer/publisher to develop the game and paying a royalty for this service). As a result of
the Group’s scaling and the acquisitions, the development expense within cost of sales
accounted for 5.5 per cent. of the cost of sales in the twelve months ended 31 December
2018 and increased to 14.0 per cent. in the six months ended 30 June 2021 as the Group
developed more of their own games. These games are also more profitable, with gross margin
increasing from 22.1 per cent., in the twelve months ended 31 December 2018, to 24.5 per
cent. in the twelve months ended 31 December 2019, 43.1 per cent. in the twelve months
ended 31 December 2020 and 33.8 per cent. in the six months ended 30 June 2021. In the
periods ending 31 December 2020 and 30 June 2021 the Normalised gross margin was
32.5 per cent. and 33.5 per cent. respectively.
Staff costs recorded within overheads as a percentage of total operating expenses amounted
to 50.6 per cent. in the twelve months ended 31 December 2018, 54.8 per cent. in the twelve
months ended 31 December 2019, 62.6 per cent. in the twelve months ended 31 December
2020 and 79.1 per cent. in the six months ended 30 June 2021. The increase in staff costs as
a percentage of operating expenses in 2020 and the first half of 2021 was driven by an increase
in exceptional items included within operating expenses relating to share-based payments,
founder bonuses and fees and expenses related to pending admission onto AIM.
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and 30 June 2021 were due to increases in share-based payments and employee benefit
expenses.
Other operating expenses include share-based payments, professional fees, office costs, travel
costs, insurance, amortisation of IP and other smaller business costs. Other operating costs
have increased during the period in line with the Group’s growth.
The changes in EBITDA in the periods under review is as a result of the financial performance
of the Group as set out above.
The income tax expense or credit for the period is the tax payable on the current period’s
taxable income based on each jurisdiction’s applicable income tax rate, adjusted by changes
in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences.
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Consolidated audited cashflows for the years ended 31 December 2018, 2019 and 2020 and
consolidated audited cashflows for the six month period ended 30 June 2021 and unaudited six
months to 30 June 2020
Six months Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021 2020
(unaudited)
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Net cash generated by
operating activities 7,021 12,507 72,255 (13,801) 7,954
Cash flows from investing
activities
Purchase of intangible assets (4,604) (9,452) (22,175) (13,761) (6,893)
Acquisitions of businesses,
net of cash acquired – – (3,278) (25,797) –
Other 113 – 65 (99) –
Proceeds from disposal of
intangible assets – 1,900 – 126,900 –
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Net cash (used in)/generated
from investing activities (4,491) (7,552) (25,388) 87,243 (6,893)
Cash flows from financing
activities
Dividends paid (375) – (10,000) (30,000) –
Repurchase of share capital – – (6,000) (20,837) (500)
Other – – 240 667 240
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Net cash generated by/
(used in) financing activities (375) – (15,760) (50,170) (260)
Cash and cash equivalents
Net increase in the year/ period 2,155 4,955 31,107 23,272 801
At 1 January/1 July 5,312 7,467 12,422 43,529 12,422
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
At 31 December/30 June 7,467 12,422 43,529 66,801 13,223
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
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$25.4 million, respectively. In the period from 31 December 2018 to 31 December 2020, the
positive cash inflows from investing activities was $87.2 million. The increase in losses in cash
from investing activities relates to the purchase of intangible assets, including intellectual
property, royalty rights and software development costs throughout the period in line with the
Group’s growth. In the periods ended 31 December 2020 and 30 June 2021 acquisitions also
impacted cash flows from investing activities. Cash flows from investing activities in the six
months ended 30 June 2021 were also generated through the sale of game publishing rights,
resulting in the material cash inflow versus previous periods.
4.3 Borrowings
During the twelve months ended 31 December 2020 the Group secured a shareholder loan to facilitate
the acquisitions of Croteam, this loan was repaid within the period. Excluding the Paycheck Protection
Loan, there have been no material borrowings in the twelve months ended 31 December 2018, 2019
or in the six months ended 30 June 2021.
The Directors intend to re-invest a significant portion of the Company’s cash reserves and earnings to
facilitate plans for further growth. Accordingly, whilst the Directors do not expect to declare any dividend
in respect of the current financial year ending on 31 December 2021, it is the Board’s intention, should
the Group generate a sustained level of distributable profits, to consider a progressive dividend policy
in future years.
Declaration of dividends will always remain subject to all applicable legal and regulatory requirements
and recommendations of final dividends and payments of interim dividends will be at the discretion of
the Board. The Board will not exercise such discretion where it is not commercially prudent to do so
taking into account the policy set out above. Whilst the Board considers dividends as the primary
method of returning capital to Shareholders, it may, at its discretion, consider share purchases when
advantageous to Shareholders and where permissible.
The Board may revise its dividend policy from time to time.
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PART III
RISK FACTORS
Investing in and holding Shares involves financial risk. Prospective investors in the Shares should
carefully review all of the information contained in this document and should pay particular
attention to the following risks associated with an investment in the Shares, the Group’s business
and the industry in which it participates prior to making an investment decision.
The risk factors set out below, which are not set out in any order of priority, apply to the Group
as at the date of this document. The risks and uncertainties described below are not an
exhaustive list, and do not necessarily comprise all, or explain all, of the risks associated with
the Group and the industry in which it participates or an investment in the Shares. They comprise
the material risks and uncertainties in this regard that are known to the Group as at the date of
this document and should be used as guidance only. Additional risks and uncertainties relating
to the Group and/or the Shares that are not currently known to the Group, or which the Group
currently deems immaterial, may arise or become (individually or collectively) material in the
future, and may have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, results of operations,
financial condition and prospects. If any such risk or risks should occur, the price of the Shares
may decline and investors could lose part or all of their investment. There can be no certainty
that the Group will be able to implement its growth strategy successfully. No representation is or
can be made as to the future performance of the Group and there can be no assurance that the
Group will achieve its objectives.
Prospective investors should consider carefully whether an investment in the Shares is suitable
for them in the light of the information in this document and their personal circumstances.
Prospective investors should consult a legal adviser, an independent financial adviser or a tax
adviser for advice if they do not understand any part of this document.
To continue to grow the Group may require increased investment in existing games, larger budgets for new
titles and additional marketing spend, all of which may adversely affect profitability. Failure to maintain a
strong customer base and popularity may result in a significant adverse effect on the Group’s revenue and
operational success.
Recent acquisitions of development studios may result in the number of own-IP titles published by the Group
increasing and there is no guarantee that these titles will be successful. Whilst the Group may benefit from
enhanced margins and return on investment on these titles, should they prove unsuccessful the impact on
the Group’s financial performance may be greater.
These relationships include those with digital distribution platforms operated by, inter alia, Sony, Microsoft,
Nintendo, Epic, Steam, Tencent, Bilibili and app-stores such as App Store (Apple) and Google Play (Google).
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The Group also has strategic partnerships with global video games media and streaming services, such as
Twitch. The Group considers these relationships to be key to the operation of its business and any significant
disruption to those relationships could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial performance.
As the gaming market continues to evolve it is likely that there will be new entrants to the space, and a
failure to secure strategic partnerships with any or a number of these businesses may impact the financial
performance of the Group in the medium to long term.
If third-party distributors were to remove or materially alter the terms of access to their platforms for whatever
reason, including but not limited to operational issues or security breaches, it may restrict end-user access
to the Group’s games, which may have an adverse impact on the Group’s financial performance.
Increased competition for premium positioning on digital marketplaces has enhanced the position of third
party platforms, who may seek to negotiate terms that are unfavourable to the Group. Access to digital
distribution platforms for consumers is managed by the third-party providers, who may choose to alter the
fee structures or pricing for utilising their platform and online networks. This could have a material impact
upon the volume of purchases of the Group’s games, which would have a corresponding impact upon sales
and profitability. If the platform provider establishes terms that restrict the Group’s visibility on its platform
and/or materially alters the financial terms on which these products or services are offered, the Group’s
business could be negatively impacted.
The Group may not sustain its growth due to a number of external factors, including being
unable to match the pace of technological changes
The Group’s operating results could fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, many of which are beyond
its control. These factors include the growth rate of the video games market; general economic conditions
that impact the video games industry; an increase in competitive pricing pressures within the markets in
which the Group operates; and game developers and publishers retaining and expanding their in-house
localisation capabilities.
In the past, the launch of the next generation of consoles, has resulted in difficulties for video game
developers and publishers. The requirement to adapt its titles to new console launches and technological
advances may increase the Group’s costs and thus adversely impact its financial performance.
If the Group is not successful in carefully selecting the games that it publishes and develops, it may lose its
competitive edge and have a material adverse effect on the revenues it generates from games in an industry
with shifting consumer preferences.
The Group may not be able to identify suitable acquisition targets or successfully integrate
recent or future acquisitions
As set out in Part I of this document, the Group has made a number of acquisitions within the twelve months
preceding Admission, including Croteam, Good Shepherd, Nerial, Firefly and Dodge Roll. The Group, as part
of its growth strategy, intends to expand its business through further strategic acquisitions of complementary
IP, technologies, development studios or service providers, to the extent that suitable opportunities arise and
are identified. There is no guarantee that the Group will identify suitable acquisitions or opportunities, obtain
the financing necessary to complete such acquisitions or acquire businesses on satisfactory terms.
There can be no certainty that any business acquired by the Group will prove to be accretive to earnings or
make a positive financial contribution to the Group. The acquisition and integration of independent
companies is a complex, costly and time-consuming process involving a number of possible problems and
risks. Failure to integrate recent or future acquisitions successfully could have a material adverse effect on
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the results of operations or financial condition of the Group, including issues associated with assimilating
new personnel, unforeseen or hidden liabilities and diversion of attention and resources.
The success of Fall Guys was a key source of revenue for the Group and may not be repeated
Fall Guys launched in August 2020 and generated a significant amount of revenue in the year to
31 December 2020. It has been the Group's highest performing game by far and has been a key driver in
the Group's growth. In March 2021, the Group sold the publishing rights to Fall Guys to Epic Games.
Devolver has retained the merchandising rights for Fall Guys for six years. Any sales relating to Fall Guys in
future will therefore relate solely to merchandising income and will therefore be significantly lower than
previously. There can be no guarantee that the Group will ever publish a title as successful as Fall Guys
again and that the success of Fall Guys may be a one off.
Large, one-off licensing and exclusivity fees, or development fees recognised on completion of
milestones can create uneven revenue and cash flows.
Over recent financial periods the Group has increased the amount of fees that it receives from certain
arrangements whereby fees are received in lump sums. These include licensing fees, from gaming
subscription services for the right of use of Devolver games on their platform, exclusivity fees, that are up-
front payments that guarantee exclusivity on a platform, and development fees, that are received for reaching
contractually agreed milestones or adapting existing games for new platforms.
These irregular payments could lead to uneven revenues and cashflows for the Group, which may result in
operational difficulties due to timings of payments of liabilities and other obligations falling due.
Devolver’s releases may be weighted towards the second half of the year, which increases the
risk of a title slipping into the following financial period
Due to a number of factors, including the impact of seasonality on optimising game release schedules,
Devolver may choose to release more titles in the second half of the financial year than the first.
A weighting towards the second half of the year, particularly the fourth quarter of the year, increases the risk
that a title may slip into the following financial period. This could have a significant impact upon the financial
performance of the Group in any given period. Revenues and profits may be delayed to the following financial
period, or reduced overall.
The pipeline of new titles generally has larger development and marketing budgets than
previous titles
As the Group grows, development and marketing expenditure in relation to the pipeline titles will likely be,
on average, larger than historic releases. As part of its growth strategy, the Group intends to increase
investment in its games.
The increase in development and marketing spend increases the risk that developer advances may not be
recovered if the title is not a commercial success.
Increasing development and marketing spend may also lead to an increase in concentration risk,
subsequently resulting in the possibility that the commercial failure of a single game could materially reduce
the Company’s forecast revenue.
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The Group uses the services of third party developers for many of its games
The Group uses the services of external developers to develop many of the games it publishes, which entails
a number of risks to its operations. There is significant demand in the industry for the services of high-quality
developers, and the Group has diminished visibility and control over the commitments of external developers
or the progress of their development schedules, as compared to internal developers.
Prepaid expenses in the form of developer advances are used to fund development studios in producing
titles. Despite prudent planning, games may not generate enough revenue to cover these advances, which
may require the Group to write off development assets.
External developers may have constrained financial resources, inadequate business acumen, or may lose
key personnel, which the Group has limited control over. Ultimately, this could result in the external developer
unable to fulfil its financial commitments, leading to the developer going out of business before completing
titles, or require additional funding from the Group.
Developers that the Group engages with, including those that the Group has a successful history with, may
be acquired by a competitor, or may enter into exclusive development agreements with such competitors.
In either case, this would restrict the ability of the developers to continue to perform services for the Group,
except for instances where the developers are contractually required to complete development.
Successful titles developed by external developers will enhance the profile of such developers and there is
a risk that studios who have worked with the Group previously may engage with a competitor, or seek to
renegotiate more favourable terms with the Group.
The Group may be unable to protect its intellectual property or could be sued for the
infringement of third party intellectual property
The Group’s continuing success is dependent to an extent on its ability to protect and register IP rights. The
Group endeavours to protect its own rights through registered trademarks, confidentiality agreements and
robust employment contracts. However, there is an inherent risk that individuals may assert that the Group’s
games infringe their proprietary rights; even if such claims are without merit, it could cause the Group
significant costs in defending such a claim.
The Group’s continuing success will depend on its ability to operate without violating the IP rights of others.
Whilst the Group takes precautions to minimise the risk of any infringement of third-party IP, there can be
no assurance that Group’s current or future games do not infringe any proprietary rights of others. Thus,
the Group may need to engage in litigation to defend itself against any such claims. Litigation is inherently
expensive and time consuming and even if the outcome of litigation is ultimately favourable to the Group,
litigation can result in the diversion of substantial resources from the Group’s other activities as well as
exposing the Group to adverse publicity and reputational risk. Disputes relating to contested IP rights and
related litigation may therefore have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, financial condition
and/or operating results.
The Group is reliant on third party software and other third party IP which is subject to licences
Like most businesses in the gaming sector, the Group relies upon third party software when developing
new games. In particular, certain games are developed on the Unity game engine and the Unreal Engine 4
game engine, both of which are used under licence. If the Group’s game studios are prevented from using
these game engines under licence, development of new games may be significantly disrupted. In addition,
certain games in the Group’s catalogue depend on licences of a third party’s IP. By way of an example,
Nerial’s Game of Thrones version of Reigns licenses the content and characters from HBO’s well-known
Game of Thrones franchise. If Nerial is unable to continue licensing HBO’s IP, it may not be possible to
continue commercialising the Reigns / Game of Thrones cross-over product or developing further such
products. The Group is dependent on other such licences with third parties, including Disney, Tik Tok and
Tea Time Pictures for both existing and upcoming games for which development budget has been
committed. In the event that any of these licences are revoked or terminated, it may not be possible to
develop a planned game in its current format and development costs may not be recoverable.
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Some of the Group’s contracts with third parties contain onerous or unfavourable terms
Certain of the contracts which members of the Group have entered into contain onerous or unfavourable
terms, including in a number of distribution agreements to which the Company is a party. These pose likely
unavoidable risks given that these agreements are with major platforms and are substantially governed
under the respective distributor’s terms. Under the distribution agreements with Valve, Tencent, Apple,
NetEase, Bilibili and Sony (PlayStation), the Company makes broad representations and warranties with
respect to the Company’s intellectual property (which generally includes any third party intellectual property
that may be incorporated in such game software for the games), including uptime availability of their games
and/or their games being “virus free”. In this example, in the event that there is a “virus” or the like, it would
be considered a breach of the distribution agreement. In the event that the Company is unable to remedy
the breach in the designated time, it would give grounds for the counterparty to terminate the agreement,
which would result in the Company having to withdraw the game from the relevant platform. In the event
any breach gives rise to a third party claim, such as an intellectual property infringement claim, the Company
is required to indemnify the distributor from such claims, with no cap as to the extent of the Company’s
liability. Any claim of significant quantum under the uncapped indemnity may have a material adverse effect
on the Group’s business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects and also the Group’s
relationship with the relevant platform. In addition to these terms, pursuant to certain contracts, the
distributors Valve Corporation, Tencent Games, Google, Ubisoft and Microsoft have the right to terminate
the relevant agreements with respect to their distribution of the games at any time and for any reason upon
notice to the Company. Certain distributor agreements also contain caps on the distributor’s liability which
may be far lower than any actual loss incurred by the Group. In each such case, the Directors believe that
such risks are largely unavoidable and are commonplace in the gaming industry, given that these agreements
are with major global counterparties and are substantially governed by such counterparty’s terms.
The Group is dependent on its Directors, executive officers and senior management
The successful operation of the Group relies partly on the efforts and abilities of its Directors, executive
officers and senior management. Their knowledge, expertise and experience are key contributors to the
continued success of the business. The failure to retain the services of any of the Directors, executive officers
or senior management could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s profitability.
The Group may be unable to recruit and retain skilled personnel in a competitive marketplace
The success of the Group’s business and revenues depends upon the talent and skills of its personnel. It
may prove increasingly difficult in a fast-growing competitive industry to recruit highly experienced
employees. The Group’s production, development and marketing teams possesses key skill sets that are
essential to the success of the business. Should the Group no longer be able to retain such employees
and/or attract new employees, the Group’s business, revenues and prospects could suffer significantly.
Similarly, the Group may be unable to retain the key personnel and employees it already has. Like any other
business operating in a competitive market place, there is always a risk that employees may leave to join
competitors or else set up competing businesses to Devolver’s. This risk is facilitated by the fact that many
of the Group’s employees located in the United States do not have notice periods in their employment
contracts, meaning that they are able to leave the Group very quickly should they wish to do so. Any loss
of employees in this way, especially key employees, may negatively impact the Group’s immediate business
until suitable replacements can be found.
As marketing in the industry becomes more competitive, the cost of such marketing activities could
significantly increase. It is also possible that the marketing campaigns do not have the desired impact on
sales. The impact of increasing costs associated with marketing could materially adversely affect the
operations, financial performance and prospects of the Group.
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One of the Group’s subsidiaries, Artificer, has a call option outstanding over 5 per cent. of its
share capital. If it were to be exercised, the Group’s interest in the share capital of Artificer
(including its voting and economic rights) would be reduced commensurately
Pursuant to the Artificer Call Option Agreement which was made between (i) Gambitious and (ii) Trousdale
Games I, LLC (“Trousdale”), Gambitious (also known as Good Shepherd) granted Trousdale the call option
to purchase five percent of the shares it holds in the issued share capital of Artificer at a purchase price of
PLN 250.00 in total from Gambitious (the “Call Option”). The Call Option may not be partially exercised, is
still outstanding and may be exercised by Trousdale at any time until 20 March 2029. Trousdale may
relinquish the Call Option if it wishes to do so by written notice.
Artificer is currently 85 per cent. owned by Gambitious and 15 per cent. owned by Kacper Szymczak.
Gambitious is 100 per cent. owned by Devolver Digital. In the event that the Call Option is exercised by
Trousdale, Artificer will be owned 80 per cent. by Gambitious, 15 per cent. owned by Kacper Szymczak
and 5 per cent. owned by Trousdale, thereby diluting the Group’s economic interest and shareholding in
Artificer. Any such reduction will entail a corresponding reduction in the Group’s rights which attach to those
shares, including its dividend distribution rights, voting rights, rights to share in Artificer’s profits and capital,
and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up.
The business is dependent on security, integrity and operational performance of its IT systems
The Group, as with the video games industry as a whole, is vulnerable to the breach of its IT security and
systems. The Group relies upon the availability and functionality of the IT systems in place to continue the
operations of the business.
The Group is aware of the ongoing risk posed by potential IT security breaches to its IT infrastructure during
the ongoing development and publication of games. The unavailability of the Group’s IT systems may have
a substantial negative effect on the Group’s ability to publish and generate revenue from future and existing
titles, impacting upon the financial performance of the Group. Whilst the Group has disaster recovery policies
in place, such policies cannot be guaranteed to prevent business interruption and prevent a level of impact
to business operations that may in turn reduce profitability. The Group’s periodic penetration testing may
not prevent such a breach occurring.
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The Group may suffer data privacy compliance breaches and may be unable to protect
confidential information
The Group must ensure ongoing compliance with various data protection laws, including the UK’s Data
Protection Act 1998, the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) (“GDPR”), the
Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy
Protection Act, which regulate the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information from children under
13 years of age, and the California Consumer Privacy Act, among others. Where the Group holds personal
data of the end-users, employees and other individuals it is under an obligation to protect it. Some personal
information that the Group holds in respect of its employees, end users or other individuals would be subject
to the GDPR and the other laws described above. There is an inherent risk that such data could be
processed by the Group in a manner which is in breach of the relevant data protection legislation. Failure
to comply with any of these laws or regulations may increase the Group’s costs, subject the Group to
expensive and distracting government and regulatory investigations, result in substantial fines, or result in
lawsuits and claims against the Group to the extent these laws include a private right of action and it may
also result in damage to the Group’s reputation further impacting the Group’s revenue.
In addition, the regulatory landscape applicable to how the Group manages and processes personal data
is changing. For example, the U.S. Government, including the Federal Trade Commission and the
Department of Commerce, continue to review the need for greater or different regulation over the collection
of personal information and information about consumer behaviour on the internet and on mobile devices,
and the U.S. Congress is considering a number of legislative proposals to regulate in this area. Various
government and consumer agencies worldwide have also called for new regulation and changes in industry
practices. It is also probable that the UK's data protection laws may change following its withdrawal from
the European Union. Further, and most notably in the mobile ecosystem, companies that provide the
platforms on which the Group’s games are played are changing the terms on how publishers can collect
and use personal data obtained from users on those platforms. There can be no guarantee that the Group
will be in compliance with these changes when enacted.
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Economic decline either globally or locally in any area in which the Group operates may have a negative
effect on the demand for the Group’s products. A more prolonged economic downturn may lead to an
overall decline in the volume of the Group’s sales, restricting the Company’s ability to generate a profit.
The Group’s second largest market is in Asia, where there is growing demand for games, but
there can be no guarantee that this growth will continue and may be reduced by, for example,
interventionist laws and regulations
Asia is now Devolver’s second largest market by Steam unit sales, at 26 per cent. of units sold. Growth to-
date has been driven by demand in the region, rather than any targeted campaigns. User bases have grown
with limited input from the Group, and Asia Pacific continues to represent a significant opportunity. However,
there can be no guarantee this demand will continue. In China, for example, recent rules have sought to
curb the exposure under-18s have to video games, restricting them to playing online games for one hour
on Fridays, weekdays and holidays between 8PM and 9PM. Online gaming companies have been barred
from providing gaming services to minors in any form outside those hours and would need to ensure they
had put real name verification systems in place. This comes further to legislation in 2018 where regulators
in China halted the issuance of video game licences. Whilst these restrictions affect only free-to-play games
rather than the premium titles which Devolver predominantly distributes, the Group’s addressable market in
China may be reduced by any similar future measures.
Should the Existing Founders act in concert and vote together, they will be able to exercise substantial
control over a number of matters requiring shareholder approval.
The Group may not be able to secure adequate financial resources in order to carry out its
strategy
The Group’s future capital requirements will depend on numerous factors, including the success of the
games it develops, potential hires, acquisitions and the execution of the Group’s growth strategy as stated
in Part I. In the future the Group may require additional funds and may attempt to raise such funds through
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equity or debt financings or from other sources. Any additional equity financing may be dilutive to the holders
of Shares and any debt financing, if available, may require restrictions to be placed on the Group’s future
financing and operating activities. The Group may be unable to obtain additional financing on acceptable
terms if market and/or economic conditions, the financial condition or operating performance of the Group
or investor sentiment are unfavourable. The Group’s inability to raise further funds may hinder its ability to
grow in the future.
Prospective investors should be aware that the value of an investment in the Group may go down as well
as up and that the market price of the Shares may not reflect the underlying value of the Group. There can
be no guarantee that the value of an investment in the Group will increase. Investors may therefore realise
less than, or lose all of, their original investment. The share prices of publicly quoted companies can be
highly volatile and shareholdings illiquid. The price at which the Shares are quoted and the price which
investors may realise for their Shares may be influenced by a large number of factors, some of which are
general or market specific, others which are sector specific and others which are specific to the Group and
its operations. These factors include, without limitation, (i) the performance of the overall stock market, (ii)
large purchases or sales of Shares by other investors, (iii) financial and operational results of the Group, (iv)
changes in analysts’ recommendations and any failure by the Group to meet the expectations of the research
analysts, (v) changes in legislation or regulations and changes in general economic, political or regulatory
conditions, and (vi) other factors which are outside of the control of the Group.
Shareholders may sell their Shares in the future to realise their investment. Sales of substantial amounts of
Shares following Admission and/or termination of the Lock-in and Orderly Market Deeds, or the perception
that such sales could occur, could materially adversely affect the market price of the Shares available for
sale compared to the demand to buy Shares. There can be no guarantee that the price of the Shares will
reflect their actual or potential market value or the underlying value of the Group’s net assets and the price
of the Shares may decline below the Placing Price. Shareholders may be unable to realise their Shares at
the quoted market price or at all.
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The Placing Price may not accurately reflect the market value of a Share
Placees will subscribe for the Shares at the Placing Price, which is a fixed price, prior to satisfaction of all
conditions for the Shares to be issued. The Placing Price may not accurately reflect the trading value of the
Shares when issued, or the Company’s potential earnings or any other recognised criteria of value.
On Admission, in addition to the Fundraising Shares, the Company will also be issuing the Contingent
Consideration Shares to the sellers of certain companies recently acquired by the Company (being, the
Dodge Roll Sellers pursuant to the Dodge Roll SPA; (ii) the Firefly Sellers pursuant to the Firefly SPA; and
(iii) the Nerial Sellers pursuant to the Nerial SPA) which will be immediately dilutive to Shareholders. Details
of the Contingent Consideration Shares are set out in paragraph 11 of Part I of this document. The Company
will also be issuing the Options Shares and the Options Sale Shares, neither of which form part of the Existing
Share Capital.
It is possible that the Company may decide to issue, pursuant to a public offer or otherwise, additional
Shares in the future at a price or prices higher or lower than the Placing Price. An additional issue of Shares
by the Company, or the public perception that an issue may occur, could have an adverse effect on the
market price of Shares and could dilute the proportionate ownership interest, and hence the proportionate
voting interest, of Shareholders. This will particularly be the case if and to the extent that, such an issue of
Shares is not effected on a pre-emptive basis or Shareholders do not take up their rights to subscribe for
further Shares structured as a pre-emptive offer.
In addition, the laws of certain jurisdictions may restrict the Company’s ability to permit the participation of
Shareholders in future offerings or in the exercise of pre-emptive rights provided in the Bylaws. In particular,
Shareholders in the United States may not be entitled to exercise these rights unless either the rights and
Shares are registered under the US Securities Act and qualified under applicable US state securities laws,
or the rights and Shares are offered pursuant to an exemption from, or in transactions not subject to, the
registration requirements of the US Securities Act and the qualification requirements of applicable US state
securities laws. Any Shareholder who is unable to participate in future equity offerings or to exercise pre-
emptive rights will suffer dilution.
There is no guarantee that the Company’s Shares will continue to be traded on AIM
The Company cannot assure investors that the Company’s Shares will always continue to be traded on AIM
or on any other exchange. If such trading were to cease, certain investors may decide to sell their shares,
which could have an adverse impact on the price of the Shares. Additionally, if in the future the Company
decides to obtain a listing on another exchange in addition or as an alternative to AIM, the level of liquidity
of the Shares traded on AIM could decline.
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Application of the proceeds from the Fundraising may not increase the Company’s profits or
Share price
There is no guarantee that the use of net proceeds described in paragraph 14 of Part I of this document will
result in the Group making profits. The funds from the Placing will enable the Group to strengthen its market
position but the Group’s profitability is reliant upon increased growth in revenues whilst maintaining relatively
low capital expenditures and fixed overhead costs.
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US Securities Act (“Rule 144A”) are being offered and sold within the U.S. in accordance with Rule 144A
and Section 4(a)(2) of the US Securities Act. Accordingly, the Shares are “restricted securities” as defined in
Rule 144 under the US Securities Act. Purchasers of the Placing Shares sold in reliance on Regulation S
may not offer, sell, pledge or otherwise transfer Placing Shares, directly or indirectly, in or into the United
States or to, or for the account or benefit of, any US Person, except pursuant to an “offshore transaction”
meeting the requirements of Rules 901 to 905 (including the Preliminary Notes) of Regulation S, pursuant
to an effective registration statement under the US Securities Act or pursuant to another exemption from
the registration requirements of the US Securities Act. The Company is under no obligation, and does not
intend to register or qualify the Placing Shares under the US Securities Act or applicable securities laws of
any state or other jurisdiction of the United States.
The Company can give no assurances that an exemption from registration or qualification will be available
for any resales or transfers of Placing Shares. In addition, the Placing Shares offered and sold in reliance on
Regulation S are subject to the conditions listed under Rule 903(b)(3), or Category 3, of Regulation S. Under
Category 3, offering restrictions (as defined under Regulation S) must be in place in connection with the
Placing and additional restrictions are imposed on resales of the Shares. All Shares are subject to these
restrictions until at least the expiry of the Distribution Compliance Period. The Company currently intends
that these restrictions will remain in place indefinitely.
The Shares will be subject to a legend describing restrictions on offers, resales and transfers to, or for the
account or benefit of, US Persons and prohibiting hedging transactions in the Shares unless in compliance
with the US Securities Act. Each subscriber for Shares, by subscribing for such Shares, agrees to reoffer or
resell the Shares only pursuant to registration under the US Securities Act and qualification under applicable
US state securities laws or in accordance with the provisions of Regulation S or pursuant to another available
exemption from registration, and agrees not to engage in hedging transactions with regard to such Shares
unless in compliance with the US Securities Act. Certifications, acknowledgements and agreements must
be made through the CREST system by those acquiring the Shares (represented by the Depositary Interests)
or withdrawing the same from CREST. If such Certifications, acknowledgements and agreements cannot
be made or are not made, settlement through CREST will be rejected.
Furthermore, Subscription Shares, Shares previously acquired pursuant to an exemption from registration
under the US Securities Act and Shares held by Affiliates of the Company shall be held in either certificated
or uncertificated form registered in the name of such holders on the share register and subject to restrictive
legends prohibiting transfer without the authorization of the Company. Accordingly, settlement shall not be
permitted via CREST until such time as the restrictions are no longer applicable. The above restrictions may
severely restrict purchasers of Shares from reselling the Shares. The Shares will not be admitted for trading
on any US securities exchange in connection with the Placing. For further information regarding the
significant restrictions on resale and transfer applicable to the Shares, please see Part VII of this document.
SEC review of the Euroclear electronic settlement procedures for securities offered and sold
pursuant to Category 3 of Regulation S
Following Admission, holders of Shares held outside of CREST may choose to convert the Shares into
Depositary Interests for the purpose of secondary trading on the CREST automated book entry system
managed and operated by Euroclear UK & Ireland to the extent such secondary trading constitutes an
“offshore transaction” for purposes of Regulation S and no other transfer restrictions apply to such Shares.
Because the Company is a US “domestic issuer” under the US Securities Act, the Placing Shares to be
sold in reliance on Regulation S qualify as Category 3 securities under Rule 903 of Regulation S. Category
3 securities are subject to strict transfer restrictions (the “Transfer Restrictions”) and must bear certain
legends so that counterparties in the secondary market for the Shares can determine whether any particular
offer and resale complies with the resale safe harbour under Regulation S (see Part VI of this document).
Pursuant to EU regulatory requirements regarding the clearance and settlement of securities traded on
regulated markets, Euroclear UK & International established procedures designed to facilitate the trading of
dematerialised Category 3 securities in accordance with the Transfer Restrictions applicable to resales of
such securities (the “Procedures”). The commissioners and staff of the SEC have thus far declined requests
to express any view, and have not in fact expressed any view, on the sufficiency of the Procedures for the
purpose of complying with the Transfer Restrictions. There is therefore a risk that the SEC may determine
the Procedures to be insufficient for the purpose of complying with the Transfer Restrictions. If this were to
occur, the SEC could make a determination that the Company did not comply with the requirements of
Regulation S. Although the outcome of such a determination is difficult to predict, the secondary market in
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the Shares could be adversely affected. The Company may be required to register the Shares with the SEC,
which would entail significant expense to the Company and a significant amount of time on behalf of the
Directors and senior managers. Furthermore, the Company and the Directors could also be subject to
criminal, civil or administrative proceedings.
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PART IV
The Directors !#!#
Devolver Digital, Inc "$!% $!
251 Little Falls Drive
Wilmington, New Castle County
Delaware 19808
United States of America
Date: 29 October 2021
Dear Sir/Madam
Devolver Digital, Inc (the Company) and its subsidiary undertakings (together, the Group) –
Accountant’s Report on Historical Financial Information
We report on the Group historical financial information set out in Section B of Part IV of the Company’s AIM
admission document dated 29 October 2021 (the Admission Document), for each of the three years
ended 31 December 2020 and the six months ended 30 June 2021 (the Historical Financial Information).
We have not audited or reviewed the financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2020 which
has been included for comparative purposes only, and accordingly do not express an opinion thereon.
Opinion
In our opinion, the Historical Financial Information gives, for the purposes of the Admission Document, a
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group as at 31 December 2018, 31 December 2019,
31 December 2020 and 30 June 2021, and of its results, cash flows, statement of comprehensive income
and changes in equity for each of the three years ended 31 December 2020 and the six months ended
30 June 2021 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the
United Kingdom.
Responsibilities
The directors of the Company are responsible for preparing the Historical Financial Information in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the United Kingdom.
It is our responsibility to form an opinion on the Historical Financial Information and to report our opinion
to you.
Save for any responsibility arising under Paragraph (a) of Schedule Two of the AIM Rules for Companies to
any person as and to the extent there provided, to the fullest extent permitted by law we do not assume
any responsibility and will not accept any liability to any other person for any loss suffered by any such other
person as a result of, arising out of, or in connection with this report or our statement, required by and given
solely for the purposes of complying with Paragraph (a) of Schedule Two of the AIM Rules for Companies,
consenting to its inclusion in the Admission Document.
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Basis of preparation
The Historical Financial Information has been prepared for inclusion in the Admission Document on the basis
of the accounting policies set out in note 2 to the Historical Financial Information.
This report is required by Paragraph (a) of Schedule Two of the AIM Rules for Companies and is given for
the purpose of complying with that paragraph and for no other purpose.
Basis of opinion
We conducted our work in accordance with the Standards for Investment Reporting issued by the Financial
Reporting Council in the United Kingdom. We are independent of the Group in accordance with relevant
ethical requirements, which in the United Kingdom is the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to Investment
Circular Reporting Engagements, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with
these requirements.
Our work included an assessment of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the Historical
Financial Information. It also included an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by
those responsible for the preparation of the Historical Financial Information and whether the accounting
policies are appropriate to the entity’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our work so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we
considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the
Historical Financial Information is free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other
irregularity or error.
Our work has not been carried out in accordance with auditing or other standards and practices generally
accepted in other jurisdictions and accordingly should not be relied upon as if it had been carried out in
accordance with those standards and practices.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events
or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue
as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date of the Admission Document for
which the Historical Financial Information and this report were prepared.
In forming our opinion on the Historical Financial Information, we have concluded that the directors’ use of
the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the Historical Financial Information is appropriate.
Declaration
For the purposes of Paragraph (a) of Schedule Two of the AIM Rules for Companies we are responsible for
this report as part of the Admission Document and declare that, to the best of our knowledge, the information
contained in this report is in accordance with the facts and that this report makes no omission likely to affect
its import. This declaration is included in the Admission Document in compliance with Schedule Two of the
AIM Rules for Companies.
Yours faithfully
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*Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation (excluding
amortisation of capitalised software development costs) and share-based payment expenses.
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Share capital
The called-up share capital records the nominal value of shares issued and paid up.
Share premium
Consideration received for shares issued above their nominal value, net of share issue costs.
Translation reserve
Cumulative exchange differences on consolidation of overseas subsidiaries.
Retained earnings
Cumulative profit and loss attributable to the owners of the parent company, net of distributions to owners
and including share-based payment reserve.
Non-Controlling Interest
Cumulative profit and loss attributable to the owners of the non-controlling interests in the Group.
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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Devolver Digital, Inc. (“the Company”) is a private company limited by shares, and is registered, domiciled
and incorporated in Delaware, USA. The address of its registered office is 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington,
New Castle County, Delaware 19808, USA.
The Group (“the Group”) consists of Devolver Digital, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries as listed in Note 17.
The Group’s principal activity is that of a video game publisher specialising in independent games.
The Historical Financial Information has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the United Kingdom and IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”)
interpretations. The directors of the company are solely responsible for the preparation of this Historical
Financial Information.
The Historical Financial Information is prepared in US Dollars, which is the functional currency and
presentational currency of the Company. The functional currency of the Group’s foreign operations is that
of the currency used in the countries in which they operate. All balance sheet accounts of the Group’s foreign
subsidiaries, where applicable, are translated from their functional currencies, at the year-end rate of
exchange, and income statement items are translated at the weighted average exchange rate on a monthly
basis. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of comprehensive income for
each period, net of the effect of income taxes.
Monetary amounts in this Historical Financial Information are rounded to the nearest thousand US Dollar.
The principles and requirements for first time adoption of IFRS are set out in IFRS 1 ‘First-Time Adoption of
International Financial Reporting Standards’. IFRS 1 allows first-time adopters certain exemptions from the
retrospective application of certain standards in order to assist companies with the transition process. No
exemptions have been applied in the preparation of the Group’s first IFRS financial statements.
Basis of accounting
The Historical Financial Information has been prepared under the historical cost convention except for, where
disclosed in the accounting policies, certain items shown at fair value. Historical cost is generally based on
the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for goods, services and assets.
The preparation of Historical Financial Information in conformity with IFRS requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities,
and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the Historical Financial Information. If in the future,
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such estimates and assumptions which are based on management’s best judgement at the date of the
Historical Financial Information, deviate from the actual circumstances, the original estimates and
assumptions will be modified as appropriate in the year in which the circumstances change. Critical
accounting estimates and key sources of estimation uncertainty in applying the accounting policies are
disclosed in Note 3.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated Historical Financial Information incorporates the financial results of the Company and all
of its subsidiaries.
Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group
controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with
the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and are deconsolidated from the
date control ceases. Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains and losses on transactions
between group companies are eliminated.
The cost of a business combination is the fair value at acquisition date of the assets given, equity instruments
issued, and liabilities incurred or assumed. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset
or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. The excess of the cost of a business
combination over the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is
recognised as goodwill. Costs directly attributable to the business combination are expensed to profit or
loss as incurred.
Going concern
After reviewing the Group’s forecasts and projections and taking into account the proceeds of the Placing,
the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in
operational existence for the foreseeable future, which is defined as period of not less than 12 months from
the date of publication of this Historical Financial Information. The Group has therefore adopted the going
concern basis in preparing the Historical Financial Information.
The above revised standards/amendments became effective during the period covered by the Historical
Financial Information and have been applied to each period presented. The impact of the new reporting
standards adopted is disclosed below.
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IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
IFRS 16 specifies how the Group will recognise, measure, present and disclose leases. The standard
provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases
unless the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. The Group did not have
any material leases throughout the period covered by the Historical Financial Information and therefore no
adjustments have been recognised.
Revenue recognition
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers has been applied for all periods presented within the
Historical Financial Information.
Revenue is recognised when control of a service or product provided by the Group is transferred to the
customer, in line with the Group’s performance obligations in the contract, and at an amount reflecting the
consideration the Group expects to receive in exchange for the provision of services or the transfer of control
of a product.
The Company derives revenue principally from the development of and sale of licensed games that can be
played by customers on a variety of platforms which include game consoles, PCs, mobile phones and
tablets. The Company’s product and service offerings include, but are not limited to, the following:
l licensing games to third parties to distribute and host games.
l full games (“Games”) delivered digitally or via physical disc at the time of sale and product keys that
provide access to offline core game content (“software license”);
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Certain of the Company’s full games are sold to resellers with a contingency that the full game cannot be
resold prior to a specific date (“Street Date Contingency”). The Company recognises revenue for transactions
that have a Street Date Contingency when the Street Date Contingency is removed and the full game can
be resold by the reseller. For digital full games sold to customers, the Company recognises revenue when
the full game is made available for download to the customer.
The Company utilises third-party licensees to distribute and host games in accordance with license
agreements, for which the licensees typically pay a fixed minimum guarantee and/or sales-based royalties.
The Company recognises as revenue the minimum guarantee when control of the license of software is
transferred (upon commercial launch). Any sales-based royalties are recognised as the related sales occur
by the licensee.
Payment Terms
Substantially all of the Company’s transactions have payment terms, whether customary or on an extended
basis, of less than one year; therefore, the Company generally does not adjust the transaction price for the
effects of any potential financing components that may exist.
Based on an evaluation of the above indicators, in particular who is primarily responsible for delivering the
goods, the Company has determined that the third party is considered the principal to end customers for
the sale of full games and related content. Therefore, the Company reports revenue related to these
arrangements net of the fees retained by the storefront. The Company also performs an analysis to determine
whether the Company is a principal or agent related to sales of video games developed by its independent
game developer partners. Based on an evaluation of the above indicators, the Company has determined
that the Company is the principal for sales of video games developed by its independent game developer
partners. The Company therefore reports revenue related to these arrangements gross, and the royalty
payments made to the independent game developer partners are reflected as cost of revenues.
Foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency (foreign currency) are initially recorded at the
exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange
ruling at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are
translated at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction, or, if the asset or liability is measured at fair value,
the rate when that fair value was determined.
All translation differences are taken to profit or loss, except to the extent that they relate to gains or losses
on non-monetary items recognised in other comprehensive income, when the related translation gain or
loss is also recognised in other comprehensive income.
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Expenditure on internally developed software products and substantial enhancements to existing software
product is recognised as intangible assets only when the following criteria are met:
1. It is technically feasible to develop the product to be used or sold;
2. There is an intention to complete and use or sell the product;
3. The Group is able to use or sell the product;
4. Use or sale of the product will generate future economic benefits;
5. Adequate resources are available to complete the development; and
6. Expenditure on the development of the product can be measured reliably.
The capitalised expenditure represents costs directly attributable to the development of the asset from the
point at which the above criteria are met up to the point at which the product is ready for use. If the qualifying
conditions are not met, such development expenditure is recognised as an expense in the period in which
it is incurred. No research and development expenditure has been recognised as an expense.
Development costs largely relate to amounts paid to external developers, consultancy costs and the direct
payroll costs of acquired development teams. Capitalised development expenditure is reviewed at the end
of each accounting period for conditions set out above and indicators of impairment. Intangible assets that
are not yet available for use are tested for impairment annually by comparing their carrying amount with
their recoverable amount based on cash flow forecasts for the developed products.
Amortisation is charged in line with the Group’s policy on intangible assets disclosed below.
Interest income and interest payable are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as they
accrue, using the effective interest method.
The Directors primarily use the Adjusted EBITDA measure when making decisions about the Group’s
activities. As these are non-GAAP measures, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA measures used by other entities
may not be calculated in the same way and hence are not directly comparable.
Segmental reporting
The Group reports its business activities in one area: video games publishing, which is reported in a manner
consistent with the internal reporting to the Board of Directors, which has been identified as the chief
operating decision maker.
After initial recognition, items of property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less any accumulated
depreciation and impairment losses.
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Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over its
useful economic life as follows:
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic
benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on the disposal
or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between the sales
proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in profit or loss.
Purchased intellectual property is reviewed for impairment at each reporting date or when events and
circumstances indicate an impairment. The Group determined that an impairment charge was not necessary
during the period covered by the Historical Financial Information.
Royalty rights
The Group invests in games developed by third parties in return for the right to receive royalties in the future
for a period of 5 years. Therefore, the Group recognises amortisation on a straight-line basis over the useful
life of 5 years commencing on the release of the game to which the investment, and subsequent right to
royalties relates.
Development advances paid to external developers for the development of specified games are capitalised
as incurred. Amortisation commences when the game is released and available for sale. These costs are
amortised over a three-year period split as 60 per cent. in the first year and 20 per cent. in each of the
subsequent two years.
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Intangible assets under development are tested for impairment at least annually and whenever there is an
indication at the end of a reporting period that the asset may be impaired.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use,
the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that
reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which
the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying
amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount.
An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a
revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised on the Statement of Financial Position when the Group has
become party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Transaction costs that are directly attributable
to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial
assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable to
the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised
immediately in profit or loss.
Investments
Investments in equity instruments are classified as at fair value through profit or loss, unless the Group has
made an irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to designate an equity investment that is neither
held for trading nor a contingent consideration arising from a business combination as at fair value through
other comprehensive income. No such elections have been made. Equity investments are initially measured
at fair value and subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date, with any fair value gains or
losses being recognised in profit or loss.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual
arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the
assets of the Group after deducting all its liabilities. Financial liabilities are measured subsequently at
amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
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Contingent consideration
Contingent consideration classified as a liability is measured at fair value through profit or loss. The liability
is remeasured at each reporting date and movements in the fair value are recognised immediately in profit
or loss.
Equity
Equity instruments issued are recorded at fair value on initial recognition net of share issue costs.
Repurchase of the Company’s own equity instruments is recognised and deducted directly in equity. No
gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Company’s
own equity instruments.
Financial assets are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Where receivables have
been written off, the Group continues to engage in enforcement activity to attempt to recover the receivable
due. Where recoveries are made, these are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Trade receivables
To measure the expected credit losses, trade and other receivables have been grouped based on type of
customer, shared credit risk characteristics, the days past due and existing economic conditions. For other
financial assets at amortised cost, the Group determines whether there has been a significant increase in
credit risk since initial recognition.
Employee benefits
The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme under which it pays contributions based upon
a percentage of the members’ basic salary.
Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are charged to the Statement of Comprehensive
Income and differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions actually paid are shown
as either accruals or prepayments.
Share-based payments
The Group operates an equity-settled, share-based compensation plan, under which the Group receives
services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (options) of the company. The fair value of
the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as an expense. A
credit is recognised directly in equity. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the
fair value of the options granted:
– including any market performance conditions (for example, an entity’s share price);
– excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions (for example,
profitability, sales growth targets and remaining an employee of the entity over a specified time period);
and
– including the impact of any non-vesting conditions (for example, the requirement for employees to
save). Non-market performance and service conditions are included in assumptions about the number
of options that are expected to vest.
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The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified
vesting conditions are to be satisfied. For share options which vest in instalments over the vesting period,
each instalment is treated as a separate share option grant, each with a different vesting period.
At the end of each reporting period, the company revises its estimates of the number of options that are
expected to vest based on the non-market vesting conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to
original estimates, if any, in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, with a corresponding adjustment
to equity.
Taxation
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss, except
if it arises from transactions or events that are recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in
equity. In this case, the tax is recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.
Where tax arises from the initial accounting for a business combination, it is included in the accounting for
the business combination.
Current tax
Tax currently payable is based on the taxable profit for the year and is calculated using the tax rates in force
or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Taxable profit differs from accounting profit either because
some income and expenses are never taxable or deductible, or deductible in other years.
Deferred tax
Using the liability method, deferred tax is recognised in respect of all temporary differences between the
carrying value of assets and liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position and the
corresponding tax base, with the exception of temporary differences arising from goodwill or from the initial
recognition (other than in a business combination) of assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither
the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised
or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted
by the reporting date.
The measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax consequences that would follow the
manner in which the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying
amount of its asset and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that the Group considers that it is probable (ie more
likely than not) that there will be sufficient taxable profits available for the asset to be utilised within the same
tax jurisdiction. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only when there is a legally enforceable right to
offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities, they relate to the same tax authority and the Group’s
intention is to settle the amounts on a net basis.
Since the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference associated with
interests in subsidiaries, a deferred tax liability is recognised only when it is probable that the temporary
difference will reverse in the foreseeable future mainly because of a dividend distribution.
At present, no provision is made for the additional tax that would be payable if the subsidiaries in certain
countries remitted their profits because such remittances are not probable, as the Group intends to retain
the funds to finance organic growth locally.
Equity
Equity instruments are contracts that give a residual interest in the net assets of an entity. Shares are
classified as equity. Equity instruments issued are recognised at the amount of proceeds received net of
costs directly attributable to the transaction.
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Judgements
In the course of preparing the Historical Financial Information, judgements have been made in the process
of applying the accounting policies that have had a significant effect in the amounts recognised in the
Historical Financial Information. The following are the areas requiring the use of judgements that may
significantly impact the Historical Financial Information.
Estimates
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting
estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that
period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future
periods. Estimates include:
After assessing the carrying value of each intangible asset which is not yet ready for use at the reporting
date, which is shown net of any impairment charge posted, the Directors are confident that the forecast
cash generation is in excess of the intangible asset held. The forecast cash generation is taken from the
Group’s forecasts which cover the trading expectations for a minimum of two years after the reporting date.
The forecast revenue and cash generation from each intangible asset are separately identifiable within the
Group forecasts. The forecast cash generation represents significant assumptions regarding its commercial
performance, should the assumptions prove to be significantly incorrect there would be a risk of material
adjustment in the financial year following the release of that product. A 10 per cent. decrease in forecast
revenue would not result in any impairment to intangible assets.
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4. SEGMENTAL REPORTING
IFRS 8 Operating Segments requires that operating segments be identified on the basis of internal reporting
and decision-making. The Group identifies operating segments based on internal management reporting
that is regularly reported to and reviewed by the Board of directors, which is identified as the chief operating
decision maker. Management information is reported as one operating segment, being revenue from game
publishing and other revenue streams such as royalties, licensing and development.
Three customers were individually responsible for over 10 per cent. of the Group’s revenues, collectively
totalling approximately 75 per cent. of the Group’s revenues for the (2020: three – 85 per cent., HY2020:
four – 68 per cent., 2019: four – 63 per cent., 2018: four – 72 per cent.).
The Group has non-current assets located in foreign countries totalling $188,000 (2020: $52,000, 2019:
$nil, 2018: $nil).
5. REVENUE
Six months Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021 2020
An analysis of the Group’s (unaudited)
revenue is as follows: $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Revenue analysed by class
of business
Game publishing 42,472 58,749 212,738 46,443 23,855
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
In respect of sales-based royalties receivable promised in exchange for the licence of intellectual property
the Group has taken advantage of the provisions in IFRS 15.B63 to recognise the relevant royalty income
in the period in which it is earned.
Management expects that contract liabilities recognised in respect of partially unsatisfied performance
obligations for development contracts will be recognised as revenue within 12 months.
For the six-month period ending 30 June 2021, revenue recognised includes $nil (2020: $1,895,000,
2019: $1,067,000, 2018: $nil) that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the
period.
6. OTHER INCOME
Six months Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021 2020
(unaudited)
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Gain on sale of intellectual
property (Note 14) – 1,900 – 115,280 –
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
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7. EMPLOYEES
Six months Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021 2020
(unaudited)
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
An analysis of the Group’s
staff costs is as follows:
Employee benefit expense 2,306 3,071 6,280 8,659 1,170
Pension expense – 43 66 87 30
Equity-settled share-based
payments 202 192 2,747 12,931 117
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Total employee benefit
expense 2,508 3,306 9,093 21,677 1,317
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
8. OPERATING PROFIT
Six months Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021 2020
(unaudited)
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
The operating profit is arrived at
after charging/(crediting):
Royalty expense 25,305 33,483 103,034 22,196 13,940
Development expense 1,828 3,845 6,243 4,317 878
Amortisation of intangible assets 2,715 3,512 6,978 3,863 1,455
Depreciation of property, plant
and equipment – – 43 48 –
Employee benefit expenses 2,306 3,114 6,346 8,746 1,200
Share-based payment charge 202 192 2,747 12,931 117
Other 5,670 6,215 10,187 6,034 3,051
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Total administrative expenses
and cost of sales 38,026 50,361 135,578 58,135 20,641
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
9. FINANCE INCOME
Six months Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021 2020
(unaudited)
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Bank interest receivable 22 61 43 25 50
Other interest – – 58 – –
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Total finance income 22 61 101 25 50
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
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Diluted earnings per share is determined by adjusting the profit attributable to common shareholders by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding, taking into account the effects of all potential
dilutive common shares, including options.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a defined performance measure in IFRS. The Group’s definition of Adjusted EBITDA
may not be comparable with similarly titled performance measures and disclosures by other entities.
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Purchased intellectual property relates to the intellectual property rights to the certain games. The intellectual
property is considered to have a useful life of 5 years and is amortised on a straight-line basis over the useful
life. The intellectual property is assessed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if there are
indicators of impairment. A formal impairment review is only undertaken if there are indicators of impairment.
Any impairment is recognised immediately within cost of sales in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Software development costs relate to costs incurred for the localisation and porting of games, advances
payable to external developers under development agreements and the direct payroll and overhead costs
of the internal development teams. Amortisation of software development costs commences upon release
of the game and is recognised within cost of sales in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Included
within software development costs is $21,496,000 (31 December 2020: $15,033,000, 31 December 2019:
$8,854,000, 31 December 2018: $3,189,000, 1 January 2018: $2,297,000) relating to intangible assets
under construction for which amortisation has not yet commenced.
Included within software development costs is one game title that is considered material to the Group with
a net book value of $nil (31 December 2020: $9,328,000, 31 December 2019: $1,326,000, 31 December
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2018: $128,000, 1 January 2018: $nil). This game title was sold during the period ended 30 June 2021 as
disclosed below.
During the period ended 30 June 2021, the Group sold the publishing rights to one game title and intellectual
property to one game title, recognising gains on disposal of $115,280,000 (see note 6).
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment is recognised within administrative expenses
in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
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16. INVESTMENTS
Total
$’000
Cost:
As at 1 January 2018, 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019 –
Additions – business combinations 1,294
––––––––––––
As at 31 December 2020 1,294
––––––––––––
Carrying amount:
As at 1 January 2018, 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019 –
––––––––––––
As at 31 December 2020 1,294
––––––––––––
––––––––––––
Proportion of
ownership interest
Country of incorporation and voting
Name of investment Principal activity and registered office rights held
Gambitious B.V. Video game development Saturnusstraat 14, 6%
unit 2.04, 2516 AH,
the Hague, the Netherlands
The investment was acquired following the acquisition of ABEST d.o.o. (Note 18). During the period ended
30 June 2021, the Group acquired 100 per cent. of the share capital of Gambitious B.V. The results of
Gambitious B.V. are consolidated as at 30 June 2021.
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17. SUBSIDIARIES
Proportion of
ownership interest
Country of incorporation and voting
Name of subsidiary Principal activity and registered office rights held
ABEST d.o.o. Video game development Horvatova 82, 10000 100%
Zagreb, Croatia
DES INFORMATIKA 2010 Video game development Horvatova 82, 10000 100%
d.o.o. Zagreb, Croatia
NEBO IZ SNA d.o.o. Video game development Horvatova 82, 10000 100%
Zagreb, Croatia
NEBO MEDIA d.o.o. Video game development Horvatova 82, 10000 100%
Zagreb, Croatia
PLAVI SLON d.o.o. Video game development Horvatova 82, 10000 100%
Zagreb, Croatia
Gambitious B.V. Video game development Saturnusstraat 14 Unit 100%
2.04, 2516 Ah The Hague,
Netherlands
GS Capital B.V. Video game development Saturnusstraat 14 Unit 95%
2.04, 2516 Ah The Hague,
Netherlands
GSE USA, LLC Video game development 103 E 5th St, Ste 208, 100%
Austin, TX 78701-3673,
USA
Artificer Games SP. z.o.o. Video game development Aleja Komisji Edukacji 85%
Narodowej 95, 02-777
Warsaw, Poland
Nerial Limited Video game development Preston Park House, South 100%
Road, Brighton, BN1 6SB,
UK
Firefly Studios Limited Video game development 4th Floor Imperial House, 100%
8 Kean Street, London, WC2B 4AS, UK
Firefly Holdings Limited Video game development 4th Floor Imperial House, 100%
8 Kean Street, London,
WC2B 4AS, UK
Firefly Studios Inc Video game development 166 Albany Turnpike, 100%
Canton, CT 06019-2546,
USA
18. ACQUISITIONS
CroTeam
On 16 October 2020, the Group acquired 100 per cent. of the share capital of Abest d.o.o., Des Informatiko
2010 d.o.o., Nebo IZ SNA d.o.o., Nebo Media d.o.o. and Plavi Slon d.o.o. All of the companies (together,
“CroTeam”) are engaged in video game development and are registered in Croatia. The acquisition was
executed as part of the strategy to remove royalties and increase gross margins, whilst also responding to
the changing industry demands regarding content ownership.
The goodwill of $159,000 represents the expected synergies from the ability to access intangible assets
such as acquired workforce and growth opportunities.
Consideration for the acquisitions comprised $4,500,976 cash and 1,556,737 Shares of $0.0001 each,
with a total fair value of $20,867,432. Contingent consideration of $1,567,003 has been recognised in
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respect of cash which will become payable in the event of share options issued to employees of the acquired
company being exercised. The potential outcome of the contingent consideration ranges between $Nil and
$2,141,571. Acquisition related costs totalling $45,581 have been recognised in profit or loss.
The acquired business contributed revenues of $636,000 and losses after tax of $655,000 to the
consolidated entity from 16 October 2020 to 31 December 2020. If the acquisition occurred on 1 January
2020, the full year contributions would have been revenues of $4,335,612 and loss after tax of $855,530.
The fair values of the identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition were:
Fair value
Book value adjustments Total
$’000 $’000 $’000
Intangible assets – 23,414 23,414
Property, plant and equipment 165 – 165
Investments 503 707 1,210
Trade and other receivables 790 – 790
Cash 1,223 – 1,223
Trade and other payables (26) – (26)
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
Total 2,655 24,121 26,776
Goodwill 159
––––––––––––
26,935
––––––––––––
Consideration:
Cash 4,501
Equity (1,556,737 Shares of $0.0001 each) 20,867
Contingent consideration – cash 1,567
––––––––––––
Total consideration 26,935
––––––––––––
––––––––––––
Good Shepherd
On 7 January 2021, the Group acquired 100 per cent. of the share capital of Gambitious B.V. and 95 per cent.
of GS Capital B.V., companies registered in the Netherlands, 100 per cent. of GSE USA, LLC, a company
registered in the United States of America, and 85 per cent. of Artificer Games SP z.o.o., a company
registered in Poland. All of the companies (together, “Good Shepherd”) are engaged in video game
development. The acquisition was executed as part of the strategy to remove royalties and increase gross
margins, whilst also responding to the changing industry demands regarding content ownership.
The goodwill of $26,962,798 represents the expected synergies from the ability to access intangible assets
such as acquired workforce and growth opportunities.
Consideration for the acquisitions comprised $15,725,787 cash and 534,256 Shares of $0.0001 each, with
a total fair value of $25,529,438. Acquisition related costs totalling $235,410 have been recognised in profit
or loss.
The acquired business contributed revenues of $4,654,423 and losses after tax of $1,042,122 to the
consolidated entity from 7 January 2021 to 30 June 2021. If the acquisition occurred on 1 January 2021,
the full period contributions would have been revenues of $4,654,423 and losses after tax of $1,042,122.
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The fair values of the identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition were:
Fair value
Book value adjustments Total
$’000 $’000 $’000
Intangible assets 6,680 2,497 9,177
Property, plant and equipment 327 – 327
Trade and other receivables 1,050 (2) 1,048
Cash 6,193 – 6,193
Trade and other payables (8,070) 4,978 (3,092)
Deferred tax asset 549 – 549
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
Total 6,729 7,473 14,202
Non-controlling interests 90
Goodwill 26,963
––––––––––––
41,255
––––––––––––
Consideration:
Cash 15,726
Equity (534,256 Shares of $0.0001 each) 25,529
––––––––––––
Total consideration 41,255
––––––––––––
––––––––––––
Nerial
On 29 April 2021, the Group acquired 100 per cent. of the share capital of Nerial Ltd, a company engaged
in video game development and registered in England and Wales. The acquisition was executed as part of
the strategy to remove royalties and increase gross margins, whilst also responding to the changing industry
demands regarding content ownership.
The goodwill of $10,069,613 represents the expected synergies from the ability to access intangible assets
such as acquired workforce and growth opportunities.
Consideration for the acquisitions comprised $6,405,333 cash and 155,017 Shares of $0.0001 each, with
a total fair value of $5,027,816. Contingent consideration with a fair value of $5,920,000 has been recognised
based on a Monte Carlo simulation model in respect of additional consideration which will become payable
in the event of a sale event. The likely potential outcome of the contingent consideration ranges between
$5,328,000 and $6,512,000. The minimum and maximum amounts of contingent consideration are $Nil
and unlimited respectively.
Acquisition related costs totalling $332,398 have been recognised in profit or loss.
The acquired business contributed revenues of $36,857 and losses after tax of $237,564 to the consolidated
entity from 29 April 2021 to 30 June 2021. If the acquisition occurred on 1 January 2021, the full period
contributions would have been revenues of $1,280,271 and profit after tax of $364,312.
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The fair values of the identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition were:
Fair value
Book value adjustments Total
$’000 $’000 $’000
Intangible assets – 4,595 4,595
Property, plant and equipment 24 – 24
Trade and other receivables 655 – 655
Cash 2,535 – 2,535
Trade and other payables (523) – (523)
Other provisions (3) – (3)
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
Total 2,688 4,595 7,283
Goodwill 10,070
––––––––––––
17,353
––––––––––––
Consideration:
Cash 6,405
Equity (155,017 Shares of $0.0001 each) 5,028
Contingent consideration – cash or shares 5,920
––––––––––––
Total consideration 17,353
––––––––––––
––––––––––––
Firefly
On 24 June 2021, the Group acquired 100 per cent. of the share capital of Firefly Holdings Limited and
Firefly Studios Limited, both of which are registered in England and Wales, and Firefly Studios Inc., registered
in United States of America. All of the companies (together, “Firefly”) are engaged in video game
development. The acquisition was executed as part of the strategy to remove royalties and increase gross
margins, whilst also responding to the changing industry demands regarding content ownership.
The goodwill of $2,926,341 represents the expected synergies from the ability to access intangible assets
such as acquired workforce and growth opportunities.
Consideration for the acquisitions comprised $21,016,601 cash and 116,586 Shares of $0.0001 each, with
a total fair value of $4,217,847. Contingent consideration with a fair value of $2,242,114 has been recognised
based on a Monte Carlo simulation model in respect of additional consideration which will become payable
in the event of a sale event. The potential outcome of the contingent consideration ranges between
$2,017,903 and $2,466,325. The minimum and maximum amounts of contingent consideration are $Nil
and unlimited respectively.
Acquisition related costs totalling $308,538 have been recognised in profit or loss.
The acquired business contributed revenues of $315,656 and losses after tax of $243,100 to the consolidated
entity from 24 June 2021 to 30 June 2020. If the acquisition occurred on 1 January 2021, the full period
contributions would have been revenues of $5,366,997 and profit after tax of $390,636.
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The fair values of the identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition were:
Fair value
Book value adjustments Total
$’000 $’000 $’000
Intangible assets – 17,975 17,975
Trade and other receivables 714 – 714
Cash 6,303 – 6,303
Trade and other payables (433) – (433)
Deferred tax liabilities (9) – (9)
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
Total 6,575 17,975 24,550
Goodwill 2,926
––––––––––––
27,476
––––––––––––
Consideration:
Cash 21,016
Equity (116,586 Shares of $0.0001 each) 4,218
Contingent consideration – cash or shares 2,242
––––––––––––
Total consideration 27,476
––––––––––––
––––––––––––
All of the trade receivables were non-interest bearing, and are receivable under normal commercial terms.
The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.
The Group has assessed the credit risk of its financial assets measured at amortised cost and has
determined that the loss allowance for expected credit losses of those assets is immaterial to the Historical
Financial Information.
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21. BORROWINGS
As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Paycheck protection program
loan – – – 240 288
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
– – – 240 288
––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
––––––––––––
In April 2020, the Group received a loan from Frost Bank in the amount of $239,600 under the Paycheck
Protection Program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The
loan is subject to a promissory note dated 1 April 2020. The loan accrues interest at 1 per cent. The principal
amount and interest will be repaid over 17 equal monthly payments of $13,321 and one final payment of
$13,321. The first payment was due on 21 November 2020 and the final payment will be made on 21 April
2022.
Deferred revenue relates to development advances received from distribution partners to aid in the
development of video games. In accordance with the Group’s revenue recognition accounting policy, revenue
equivalent to the transaction price allocated to each performance obligation is deferred and subsequently
recognised when those performance obligations are satisfied upon delivery of the final version of the games
to the platforms.
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As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Financial assets at amortised
cost: $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Trade and other receivables 4,925 5,706 8,399 15,847 9,702
Cash and cash equivalents 5,312 7,467 12,422 43,529 66,801
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
10,237 13,173 20,821 59,376 76,503
––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
––––––––––––
The assumptions applied in determining the fair value level of the financial instruments held by the Group
are detailed below:
The carrying value of all financial instruments at amortised cost is not materially different from their fair value.
Cash and cash equivalents attract floating interest rates. Accordingly, their carrying amounts are considered
to approximate to fair value.
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The following table summarises the quantitative information about the Group’s Level 3 fair value
measurements:
Significant
Fair value Valuation unobservable Ranges
As at 30 June 2021 $’000 technique inputs of inputs
Contingent consideration 1,567 Scenario-based WACC 3.7%
model Risk-free rate 1.3%
Assumed exercise % 75%
Contingent consideration 2,242 Scenario-based WACC 3.9%
model Risk-free rate 2.0%
Assumed exercise % 75%
Contingent consideration 6,214 Scenario-based WACC 4.2%
model Risk-free rate 2.2%
Assumed exercise % 75%
Significant
Fair value Valuation unobservable Ranges
As at 31 December 2020 $’000 technique inputs of inputs
Contingent consideration 1,567 Scenario-based WACC 3.7%
model Risk-free rate 1.3%
Assumed exercise % 75%
As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Current trade and other
receivables 4,925 5,706 8,399 15,847 9,702
Non-current trade and
other receivables – – – 362 1,642
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
4,925 5,706 8,399 16,209 11,344
––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
––––––––––––
Before accepting a new customer, the Group assesses both the potential customer’s credit quality and risk.
Customer contracts are drafted to reduce any potential credit risk to the Group. Where appropriate the
customer’s recent financial statements are reviewed. The Group advances royalties to developers, giving
rise to an asset. The Group is shielded from credit risk because it deducts repayments of those advances
from the income received from the distributors, therefore any liquidity or other constraint the developer faces
does not impact the recoverability of the prepayment.
Trade receivables are regularly reviewed for impairment loss. The Group has assessed the credit risk of its
financial assets measured at amortised cost and has determined that the loss allowance for expected credit
losses of those assets is immaterial to the Historical Financial Information. The Group’s exposure to credit
losses has historically been very low given the blue chip nature of the customers and there being no historical
write offs.
Accounts receivable from the Group’s three largest customers at 30 June 2021 totalled approximately
$5.3 million (31 December 2020: three largest customers – $14.4 million, 31 December 2019: four largest
customers – $6.9 million, 31 December 2018: four largest customers – $4.9 million)
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Contractual cash flows relating to the Group’s financial liabilities are as follows:
As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Within 1 year:
Borrowings – – – 240 288
Trade payables 4,992 5,734 9,893 18,305 7,438
Contingent consideration – – – 647 –
Accruals and other payables 375 162 – – 1,750
Deferred income 100 1,341 2,168 599 1,916
Amounts due to shareholder – – – 20,837 –
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
5,467 7,237 12,061 40,628 11,392
After 1 year:
Contingent consideration – – – 920 10,024
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
Total 5,467 7,237 12,061 41,548 21,416
––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
––––––––––––
The Group considers its capital to include net cash (cash and cash equivalents less borrowings), share
capital, share premium and retained earnings.
As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Net cash 5,312 7,467 12,422 43,289 66,513
Total equity 9,123 12,493 20,642 71,513 170,997
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
14,435 19,960 33,064 114,802 237,510
––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
–––––––––––– ––––––––––––
––––––––––––
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As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Deferred tax liability/(asset):
Short term timing differences – 101 171 (362) (1,260)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Net deferred tax liability – 101 171 (362) (1,260)
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Opening deferred tax liability – 101 171 (362)
Charge to profit or loss 101 70 (533) (898)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Closing deferred tax liability 101 171 (362) (1,260)
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
Options generally have a ten-year term and vest between two and four years.
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The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. A
reconciliation of share option movements is shown below:
Weighted
average
Weighted Weighted remaining
Number average Number average contractual
of options exercise of options exercise life
outstanding price ($) exercisable price ($) (years)
At 1 January 2018 – – – – –
Granted during the year 365,823 2.49
––––––––––– –––––––––––
At 31 December 2018 365,823 2.49 138,855 2.49 9
Forfeited during the year (8,032) 2.49
––––––––––– –––––––––––
At 31 December 2019 357,791 2.49 234,602 2.49 8
Granted during the year 377,008 12.56
––––––––––– –––––––––––
At 31 December 2020 734,799 7.66 364,507 3.17 8.8
Granted during the period 198,500 15.11
Exercised during the period (186,210) 5.99
Forfeited during the period (972) 15.11
––––––––––– –––––––––––
At 30 June 2021 746,117 12.89 66,159 11.87 8.7
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
During the period covered by the Historical Financial Information, no options were exercised, or expired.
Options granted during the year were valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. No performance
conditions were included in the fair value calculations. The fair value per option granted during the period
covered by the Historical Financial Information and the assumptions used in the calculation are as follows:
Grant date
29 December 18 January 4 November 21 December 1 April
2018 2020 2020 2020 2021
Share price at grant date $2.49 $6.22 $15.11 $15.11 $15.11
Exercise price $2.49 $6.22 $15.11 $15.11 $15.11
Option life 7 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5
Expected volatility 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00%
Expected dividends 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Discount rate 2.56% 0.39% 0.39% 0.39% 0.37%
Weighted average fair value
per option $1.337 $3.00 $16.83 $16.83 $52.51
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As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
Number Number Number Number Number
Opening RSAs outstanding – – – – 778,360
RSAs granted – – – 778,360 238,888
RSAs vested – – – – (17,181)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Closing RSAs outstanding – – – 778,360 1,000,067
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
Weighted average remaining
contractual life in years – – – 4.8 4.1
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Shares of $0.0001 each 1 1 1 1 1
Non-voting shares of $0.0001
each – – – – –
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
No. No. No. No. No.
Issued and fully paid
Shares of $0.0001
each 10,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000 9,563,881 9,835,484
Non-voting shares of $0.0001
each – – – – 720,466
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
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As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Shares of $0.0001 each 1 1 1 1 1
Non-voting shares of $0.0001
each – – – – –
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
No. No. No. No. No.
Treasury shares
Shares of $0.0001 each – – – 1,064,120 1,064,120
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
As at As at As at As at As at
1 January 31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Shares of $0.0001 each – – – – –
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
During the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group issued 1,556,737 Shares of $0.0001 each for
consideration totalling $20,867,432 (Note 18). Share premium of $20,867,354 has been recognised in
respect of this share issue.
During the period ended 30 June 2021, the Group issued 271,603 Shares and 534,256 Non-voting shares
of $0.0001 each for consideration totalling $36,320,000 has been recognised in respect of these share
issues.
The Group also issued 186,210 Non-voting shares of $0.0001 each in respect of exercised share options.
Consideration totalled $633,577 and share premium of $633,558 has been recognised in respect of this
share issue.
Shares
Each share entitles the holder to one vote at general meetings of the company, to participate in dividends
and to share in the proceeds of winding up the company.
Non-voting shares
Each non-voting share entitles the holder to participate in dividends and to share in the proceeds of winding
up the company. There is no right to vote at general meetings of the company.
27. DIVIDENDS
Six months
Year ended Year ended Year ended ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 30 June
2018 2019 2020 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Dividends paid of $3.00 per share
(2020: $1.00) (2019: $nil) (2018: $0.04) 375 – 10,000 30,000
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
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As at As at
1 January Non-cash 31 December
2018 Cash flows movements 2018
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Cash and cash equivalents 5,312 2,155 – 7,467
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Net cash 5,312 2,155 – 7,467
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
As at As at
1 January Non-cash 31 December
2019 Cash flows movements 2019
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Cash and cash equivalents 7,467 4,955 – 12,422
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Net cash 7,467 4,955 – 12,422
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
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As at As at
1 January Non-cash 31 December
2020 Cash flows movements 2020
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Cash and cash equivalents 12,422 31,069 38 43,529
Borrowings – (240) – (240)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Net cash 12,422 30,829 38 43,289
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
As at As at
1 January Non-cash 30 June
2021 Cash flows movements 2021
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Cash and cash equivalents 43,529 23,272 – 66,801
Borrowings (240) (48) – (288)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Net cash 43,289 23,224 – 66,513
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
The directors are considered to be the only key management personnel of the group. An analysis of key
management personnel compensation is set out below:
One of the Group’s executive officers has a family member employed by the Group. Related party
compensation is established in accordance with the Group’s employment and compensation practices
applicable to employees with equivalent qualifications and responsibilities and holding similar positions.
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In connection with the 35 to 1 stock split effected as a share dividend of 34 shares for every 1 share
outstanding pursuant to the Pre-IPO Reorganisation, the aggregate par value of the dividend shares will be
transferred from share premium to share capital. Upon completion of the stock split, the share capital of the
Company will increase to approximately $40,000.
In preparing its IFRS balance sheets for the period covered by the Historical Financial Information, the Group
has had to adjust amounts reported previously in financial statements prepared under US GAAP as shown
below. The ‘other adjustments’ reflect correction of errors identified in the preparation of the Group’s IFRS
Historical Financial Information.
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IFRS adjustments:
l Reversal of cumulative amortisation charged on goodwill of $61,000, decreasing retained earnings.
Other adjustments:
l Capitalisation of software development costs ($5,133,000), increasing intangible assets and retained
earnings due to a restatement for a change in amortisation period.
l Releasing prepaid marketing costs to expenditure ($80,000), decreasing trade and other receivables
and retained earnings, due to a change in accounting estimates.
l Recognising goodwill impairment ($295,000), decreasing intangible assets and retained earnings due
to a change in accounting policy.
l Recognising opening balance sheet accrual ($375,000), increasing trade and other payables and
retained earnings due to the correction of a historic error.
Group reconciliation of total comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2018
As reported
As previously under
reported for IFRS for
year ended year ended
31 December IFRS Other 31 December
2018 adjustments adjustments 2018
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Revenue 42,472 – – 42,472
Cost of sales (31,480) – (1,589) (33,069)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Gross profit 10,992 – (1,589) 9,403
Administrative expenses (5,120) 164 (1) (4,957)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Operating profit 5,872 164 (1,590) 4,446
Finance income 22 – – 22
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Profit before taxation 5,894 164 (1,590) 4,468
Income tax expense (1,300) – – (1,300)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Profit/(loss) for the year 4,594 164 (1,590) 3,168
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
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IFRS adjustments:
l Reversal of amortisation charged on goodwill of $175,000, decreasing administrative expenses.
l Graded vesting share-based payment adjustment ($11,000), increasing administrative expenses and
increasing retained earnings.
Other adjustments:
l Reallocation of share-based payment charge ($191,000) which had been credited to share premium
instead of retained earnings in the previous US GAAP financial statements in error, increasing retained
earnings and decreasing share premium.
l Capitalisation of software development costs ($6,406,000), increasing intangible assets and retained
earnings and decreasing trade and other receivables and cost of sales, due to a change in accounting
estimates due to a restatement for a change in amortisation period.
l Recognising additional amortisation on capitalised software development costs ($2,561,000),
increasing cost of sales, due to a restatement for a change in amortisation period.
l Releasing prepaid marketing costs to expenditure ($701,000), decreasing trade and other receivables
and retained earnings.
l Recognising goodwill impairment ($295,000), decreasing intangible assets and retained earnings due
to a change in accounting policy.
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Group reconciliation of total comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2019
As reported
As previously under
reported for IFRS for
year ended year ended
31 December IFRS Other 31 December
2019 adjustments adjustments 2019
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Revenue 60,649 – (1,900) 58,749
Cost of sales (43,816) – (512) (44,328)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Gross profit 16,833 – (2,412) 14,421
Administrative expenses (5,984) (50) 1 (6,033)
Other income – – 1,900 1,900
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Operating profit 10,849 (50) (511) 10,288
Finance income 161 (100) – 61
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Profit before taxation 11,010 (150) (511) 10,349
Income tax expense (2,491) – – (2,491)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Profit for the year 8,519 (150) (511) 7,858
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
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IFRS adjustments:
l Reversal of amortisation charged on goodwill of $30,000, decreasing administrative expenses.
l Graded vesting share-based payment adjustment ($80,000), increasing administrative expenses and
increasing retained earnings.
l Reallocation of other income ($100,000) to equity as a capital contribution, decreasing finance income.
Other adjustments:
l Reallocation of share-based payment charge ($303,000) which had been credited to share premium
instead of retained earnings in the previous US GAAP financial statements in error, increasing retained
earnings and decreasing share premium.
l Capitalisation of software development costs ($12,498,000), increasing intangible assets and
decreasing trade and other receivables and cost of sales due to a restatement for a change in
amortisation period.
l Recognising additional amortisation on capitalised software development costs ($3,358,000),
increasing cost of sales, due to a restatement for a change in amortisation period.
l Releasing prepaid marketing costs to expenditure ($718,000), decreasing trade and other receivables
and retained earnings.
l Recognising goodwill impairment ($295,000), decreasing intangible assets and retained earnings due
to a change in accounting policy.
l Reallocation of gain on sale of IP to other income ($1,900,000), decreasing revenue and increasing
other income due to the correction of a historic classification error.
Group reconciliation of total comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2020
As reported
As previously under
reported for IFRS for
year ended year ended
31 December IFRS Other 31 December
2020 adjustments adjustments 2020
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Revenue 212,738 – – 212,738
Cost of sales (132,549) – 11,505 (121,044)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Gross profit 80,189 – 11,505 91,694
Administrative expenses (12,582) (1,084) (867) (14,533)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Operating profit 67,607 (1,084) 10,638 77,161
Finance costs – – (104) (104)
Finance income 100 1 – 101
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Profit before taxation 67,707 (1,083) 10,534 77,158
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Income tax expense (11,456) – (1,609) (13,065)
––––––––––– ––––––––––– ––––––––––– –––––––––––
Profit for the year 56,251 (1,083) 8,925 64,093
–––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
––––––––––– –––––––––––
–––––––––––
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IFRS adjustments:
l Reversal of amortisation charged on goodwill of $32,000, decreasing administrative expenses.
l Graded vesting share-based payment adjustment ($1,116,000), increasing administrative expenses
and increasing retained earnings.
Other adjustments:
l Capitalisation of software development costs ($28,319,000), increasing intangible assets and retained
earnings and decreasing trade and other receivables and cost of sales due to a restatement for a
change in amortisation period.
l Recognising additional amortisation on capitalised software development costs ($6,354,000),
increasing cost of sales due to a restatement for a change in amortisation period.
l Releasing prepaid marketing costs to expenditure ($477,000), decreasing trade and other receivables
and retained earnings.
l Recognising goodwill impairment ($295,000), decreasing intangible assets and retained earnings due
to a change in accounting policy.
l Recognising an additional tax charge ($1,609,000), increasing taxation charge and decreasing retained
earnings. Increasing deferred tax assets ($185,000), decreasing prepaid income tax ($1,678,000) and
increasing current tax payable ($116,000) due to the tax impact of the above adjustments.
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PART V
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
As a company that will be admitted to trading on AIM, the Company is not required to adopt a specific
corporate governance code. However, it is required to provide details of the corporate governance code it
has decided to adopt, state how it complies with that code and provide an explanation where it departs
from compliance with that code.
The Directors support a high standard of corporate governance and have decided to adopt the QCA Code.
The Directors believe that the QCA Code provides the Company with the framework to help ensure that a
strong level of governance is maintained, enabling the Company to embed the governance culture that
exists within the organisation as part of building a successful and sustainable business for all of its
stakeholders. The Company will comply with the ten principles of the QCA Code, with effect from Admission
as detailed below.
Principle 1: Establish a strategy and business model which promote long-term value for
Shareholders
The Group’s business model and strategy is set out in Part I of this document. The Directors believe that
the Group’s model and growth strategy helps to promote long-term value for Shareholders. An update on
strategy will be given from time to time in the Strategic Report that is included in the annual report and
accounts of the Group.
The principal risks facing the Group are set out in Part III of this document. The Directors will continue to
take appropriate steps to identify risks and undertake a mitigation strategy to manage these risks following
Admission, including implementing a risk management framework and maintaining a risk register.
There will be an active dialogue maintained with Shareholders. Shareholders will be kept up-to-date via
announcements made through a Regulatory Information Service on matters of material substance and/or a
regulatory nature. Updates will be provided to the market from time to time, including any financial
information, and any expected material deviations from market expectations will be announced through a
Regulatory Information Service. The Company’s annual meeting will be an opportunity for Shareholders to
meet with the Executive Chairman, Senior Independent Director and other members of the Board. The
meeting will be open to all Shareholders, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and raise issues
during the formal business of the meeting or, more informally, following the meeting. The result of the annual
meeting will be announced through a Regulatory Information Service.
The Board is keen to ensure that the voting decisions of Shareholders are reviewed and monitored and the
Company intends to engage with Shareholders who do not vote in favour of resolutions at annual meetings.
There is also a designated email address for Investor Relations: ir@devolverdigital.com, and all contact
details are included on the Group’s website.
Principle 3: Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their
implications for long-term success
The Group takes its corporate social responsibilities very seriously and is focused on maintaining effective
working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders including Shareholders, staff, customers and
gaming platforms and developers that it partners with as part of its business strategy. The Executive Directors
will maintain an ongoing and collaborative dialogue with such stakeholders and take all feedback into
consideration as part of the decision-making process and day-to-day running of the business.
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Given the nature of the business, the risks of it having a negative environmental or sustainability impact are
limited. Nevertheless, the Board believes it is important to articulate and support key environmental, social
and governance goals throughout the Group. Further details of the Company’s Environmental, Social and
Governance policy are set out in paragraph 19 of Part I of this document.
Principle 4: Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats,
throughout the organisation
The principal risks facing the Group are set out in Part III of this document. The Directors will take appropriate
steps to identify risks and undertake a mitigation strategy to manage these risks following Admission.
A review of these risks will be carried out at least on an annual basis, the results of which will be included in
the Annual Report and Accounts going forward.
The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Group’s risk management objectives and
policies and has also established the Audit Committee, the terms of reference of which include items relating
to identifying and managing risks relating to the Group.
Principle 5: Maintain the Board as a well-functioning, balanced team, led by the Chairman
On Admission, the Board will comprise the following persons:
l The Executive Chairman;
l Senior Independent Director;
l three Independent Non-Executive Directors; and
l two Executive Directors.
The biographies of the Directors are set out in paragraph 8.1 of Part I of this document. The Senior
Independent Director, Kate Marsh, and Non-Executive Directors Jeffrey Lyndon Ko, Janet Astall and Joanne
(Jo) Goodson are considered to be independent and were selected with the objective of bringing experience
and independent judgement to the Board. The Executive Chairman, Harry Miller, is well supported by
independent and experienced Directors and Senior Independent Director with clearly defined roles and
responsibilities. The Board as a whole will be collectively responsible for the success of the Group, and the
proposed structure provides leadership of the Group within the framework of effective controls.
The division of responsibilities between the Executive Chairman, the Chief Executive and the Senior
Independent Director will be agreed by the board. Kate Marsh, the Senior Independent Director, will lead
the independent non-executive directors on matters where independence is required. The Board is not
dominated by one individual and all Directors have the ability to challenge proposals put forward at each
meeting, democratically. Additionally, the governance architecture has been designed to empower the
independent members of the Board through the various Committee structures.
The Board is also supported by the Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination
Committee, further details of which are set out in paragraph 18 of Part I of this document. The Nomination
Committee will keep the composition of the Board under regular review, taking into account the relevant
skills, experience, independence, knowledge and diversity of the Board.
The Directors are divided into three classes, designated as Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class shall
consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the total number of Directors constituting the entire
Board. At each annual meeting, one class will offer themselves up for re-election.
The Board will meet regularly and processes are in place to ensure that each Director is, at all times, provided
with such information as is necessary to enable each Director to discharge their respective duties.
The Group is satisfied that the current Board is sufficiently resourced to discharge its governance obligations
on behalf of all stakeholders.
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Principle 6: Ensure that between them the Directors have the necessary up-to-date experience,
skills and capabilities
The skills and experience of the Directors are summarised in their biographies set out in paragraph 8 of Part
I of this document.
The Directors believe that the Board has the appropriate balance of diverse skills and experience in order
to deliver on its core objectives. Experiences are varied and contribute to maintaining a balanced board that
has the appropriate level and range of skill to drive the Group forward.
The Board is not dominated by one individual and all Directors have the ability to challenge proposals put
forward to the meeting, democratically. The Directors have also received a briefing from the Company’s
Nominated Adviser in respect of continued compliance with, inter alia, the AIM Rules and from the
Company’s Solicitors, Fieldfisher LLP, in the United Kingdom in respect of continued compliance with, inter
alia, the AIM Rules for Companies and UK MAR.
Principle 7: Evaluate board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking
continuous improvement
The Directors will consider the effectiveness of the Board, Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee, and
individual performance of each Director. The Company has a Nomination Committee which will conduct a
regular assessment of the individual contributions of each member of the Board to ensure that their
contribution is relevant and effective. There will also be an annual overall board assessment, and a periodic
independent assessment of the Board. The outcomes of performance will be described in the Annual Report
and Accounts of the Group.
Principle 8: Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours
The Group has a responsibility towards its staff and other stakeholders. The Board promotes a culture of
integrity, honesty, trust and respect and all employees of the Group are expected to operate in an ethical
manner in all of their internal and external dealings.
The staff handbook and policies promote this culture and include such matters as whistleblowing, social
media, anti-bribery and corruption, communication and general conduct of employees. The Board takes
responsibility for the promotion of ethical values and behaviours throughout the Group, and for ensuring
that such values and behaviours guide the objectives and strategy of the Group.
The culture is set by the Board and is regularly considered and discussed at Board meetings.
Principle 9: Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose and support
good decision-making by the Board
The Executive Chairman leads the Board and is responsible for its governance structures, performance and
effectiveness. The Board retains ultimate accountability for good governance and is responsible for
monitoring the activities of the executive team. The Non-Executive Directors are responsible for bringing
independent and objective judgement to Board decisions. The Executive Directors are responsible for the
operation of the business and delivering the strategic goals agreed by the Board.
The Board is supported by the Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination
Committee, further details of which are set out in paragraph 19 of Part I of this document. There are certain
material matters which are reserved for consideration by the full Board. Each of the committees has access
to information and external advice, as necessary, to enable the committee to fulfil its duties.
The Board intends to review the Group’s governance framework on an annual basis to ensure it remains
effective and appropriate for the business going forward.
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Principle 10: Communicate how the Company is governed and is performing by maintaining a
dialogue with Shareholders and other relevant stakeholders
Responses to the principles of the QCA Code and the information that will be contained in the Company’s
Annual Report and Accounts provide details to all stakeholders of how the Company is governed. The Board
is of the view that the Annual Report and Accounts, as well as its half year report, are key communication
channels through which progress in meeting the Group’s objectives and updating its strategic targets can
be given to Shareholders following Admission.
Additionally, the Board will use the Company’s annual meetings as a mechanism to engage directly with
Shareholders, to give information and receive feedback about the Group and its progress.
To this end, the Board will endeavor to hold an annual meeting no later than six months after the end of the
Company’s fiscal year. At the annual meeting, amongst other business, the Board will lay the Company’s
audited annual financial statements before the meeting and seek Shareholder ratification of the Company’s
appointment of auditors. In the event the Shareholders do not ratify the Company’s appointment of auditors,
the Audit Committee will engage with the Shareholders to receive feedback about the Company’s auditors
and consider engaging replacement auditors.
The Company’s website will be updated on a regular basis with information regarding the Group’s activities
and performance, including financial information.
There is also a designated email address for Investor Relations: ir@devolverdigital.com, and all contact
details are included on the Group’s website.
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PART VI
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. Responsibility
The Company and the Directors, whose names and functions are set out in paragraph 8 of Part I of this
document, accept responsibility both individually and collectively for the information contained in this
document. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Directors and the Company (who have taken all
reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this document is in accordance
with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information. All of the Directors
accept individual and collective responsibility for compliance with the AIM Rules for Companies.
2. The Company
2.1 The Company was formed as a limited liability company in Delaware on 26 March 2008 under the
name GHI Media, LLC. On 1 November 2017, the Company filed a Certificate of Conversion with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and converted to a corporation under the Company’s
current name, Devolver Digital, Inc.
2.2 The principal legislation under which the Company operates is the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware (“DGCL”).
2.4 The Company’s registered office is located at 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, New Castle County,
Delaware 19808, USA. The Company’s registered agent at such registered office is Corporation
Service Company. The Company has no principal place of business as its employees all work
remotely. The Company’s telephone number is +1 425-331-9075.
2.5 Other than the Board, the Company has the Remuneration Committee, the Audit Committee and
the Nomination Committee.
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3. The Subsidiaries
3.1 On Admission, the Company will be the holding company of the following subsidiaries (held directly
or indirectly):
Country of incorporation
Name or organisation Ownership interest Principal activity
Dodge Roll, LLC Texas, US Devolver Digital, Game developer
Inc. – 100%
Gambitious B.V. The Netherlands Devolver Digital, Game publisher
Inc. – 100%
GS Capital B.V. The Netherlands Gambitious Investment company
B.V. – 95%
(Perfect World
Europe B.V. – 5%)
GSE USA, LLC Texas, US Gambitious B.V. – Investment company
100%
Nerial Ltd England and Wales Devolver Digital, Inc. – Game developer
100%
Firefly Holdings Limited England and Wales Devolver Digital, Inc. – Game developer
100%
Firefly Studios Limited England and Wales Firefly Holdings Limited Game developer
– 100%
Firefly Studios Inc. Delaware, US Firefly Holdings Limited Game developer
– 100%
ABEST d.o.o. Croatia Devolver Digital, Game developer
Inc. – 100%
Artificer Games Poland Gambitious B.V. – 85% Game developer
Sp. Z.o.o. Kacper Szymczak – 15%
Devolver Digital England and Wales Devolver Digital, Inc. – Game developer
Games Limited 100%
4. Share Capital
4.1 As at the date of this document, subject at all times to the provisions described in paragraphs 7.2
and 7.6 of this Part VI, the Company is authorised to issue up to 2,975,000,000 shares of common
stock (such figure being the maximum number of shares (following the 35 to 1 stock split pursuant
to the Pre-IPO Reorganisation) that the Company is authorised to issue under Delaware law without
having to amend the certificate of incorporation).
4.2 Set out below are details of the issued share capital of the Company (i) as at the date of this document
and (ii) as it will be immediately on Admission:
4.3 In addition to the 11,422,654 Shares in issue and outstanding as at the date of this document, there
are a further 1,064,120 Treasury Shares which are held by the Company itself in treasury.
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4.4 The changes in the amount of the issued share capital of the Company which occurred during the
3 years covered by the Historical Financial Information are as follows:
(a) on 10 January 2020, the Company repurchased 150,376 Shares from Mr. Wilson at a price
per share of USD 6.65 pursuant to the stock repurchase agreements, details of which are in
paragraph 13.16 of this Part VI;
(b) on 7 October 2020, the Company issued 1,556,737 Shares to the Croteam Sellers pursuant
to the Croteam SPA;
(c) on 12 December 2020, the Company repurchased 1,064,120 Shares from Mr. Wilson at a
price per share of USD 24.28 pursuant to the stock repurchase agreements, details of which
are in paragraph 13.16 of this Part VI;
(d) on 7 January 2021, the Company issued 534,256 Non-Voting Shares to the Gambitious Sellers
pursuant to the Gambitious SPA;
(e) on 29 April 2021, the Company issued 155,017 Shares to the Nerial Sellers pursuant to the
Nerial SPA;
(f) on 24 June 2021, the Company issued 116,586 Shares to the Firefly Sellers pursuant to the
Firefly SPA; and
(g) on 2 July 2021, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement, the Company issued 88,344 Shares
to the Dodge Roll Sellers pursuant to the Dodge Roll SPA.
In addition, the following option exercises have taken place over the same period:
(h) on 7 April 2021, 25,000 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 2.49, and as a
result a total of 25,000 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(i) on 7 April 2021, 18,333 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 6.2229, and as
a result a total of 18,333 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(j) on 8 April 2021, 15,500 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 2.49, and as a
result a total of 15,500 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(k) on 8 April 2021, 8,924 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 2.49, and as a
result a total of 8,924 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(l) on 8 April 2021, 7,140 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 2.49, and as a
result a total of 7,140 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(m) on 8 April 2021, 3,347 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 6.2229, and as a
result a total of 3,347 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(n) on 9 April 2021, 44,623 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 2.49, and as a
result a total of 44,623 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(o) on 9 April 2021, 28,000 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 2.49, and as a
result a total of 28,000 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(p) on 9 April 2021, 3,500 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 2.49, and as a
result a total of 3,500 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(q) on 9 April 2021, 20,081 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 2.49, and as a
result a total of 20,081 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(r) on 9 April 2021, 6,693 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 6.2229, and as a
result a total of 6,693 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(s) on 9 April 2021, 3,000 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 15.11, and as a
result a total of 3,000 Non-Voting Shares were issued;
(t) on 9 April 2021, 569 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 15.11, and as a
result a total of 569 Non-Voting Shares were issued; and
(u) on 9 April 2021, 1,500 Options were exercised at an exercise price of USD 15.11, and as a
result a total of 1,500 Non-Voting Shares were issued.
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4.5 Prior to Admission, the Company will effect the Pre-IPO Reorganisation which will include:
(a) the reclassification of all Non-Voting Shares as Shares on a 1:1 basis;
(b) the 35 to 1 stock split effected by way of a share dividend of 34 Shares for every 1 Share
outstanding, the aggregate par value of the dividend shares will be transferred from share
premium to share capital (upon completion of the stock split, the share capital of the Company
will increase to approximately $40,000); and
(c) filing an amended and restated certificate of incorporation as described below.
4.6 The Placing will result in the issue of 21,288,428 New Placing Shares on Admission, and the
Subscription will result in the issue of 1,990,568 Subscription Shares on Admission, diluting holders
of Existing Shares immediately prior to Admission by 5.5 per cent. In addition, the Company shall
issue the Contingent Consideration Shares, the Options Shares and the Options Sale Shares resulting
in a total dilution of holders of Existing Shares of 9.6 per cent.
5. CREST
5.1 CREST is a paperless settlement system enabling title to securities to be evidenced otherwise than
by certificate and transferred otherwise than by written instrument, in accordance with the CREST
Regulations. Placees who have asked to hold their Shares in uncertificated form will have their CREST
accounts credited with Depositary Interests on the day of Admission. Note, however, that the Placing
Shares are being offered to persons who are not US Persons or acting for the account or benefit of
any US Persons and are subject to the conditions listed under Rule 903(b)(3), or Category 3, of
Regulation S. Under Category 3, offering restrictions (as defined under Regulation S) must be in place
in connection with the Placing and additional restrictions are imposed on resales of the Shares.
Certifications, acknowledgments and agreements must be made through the CREST system by those
acquiring or withdrawing the Shares. If such representations, warranties and certifications cannot be
made or are not made, settlement through CREST will be rejected. Furthermore, Existing Shares,
Subscription Shares, Contingent Consideration Shares and Shares held by Affiliates of the Company
shall be held in book entry or certificated form and, accordingly, settlement shall not be permitted via
CREST until such time as the relevant restrictions are no longer applicable.
5.2 The holders of the Shares will participate on a pari passu basis and proportionately to their
shareholdings in all distributions of capital or income by the Company or any surplus arising on
liquidation of the Company. There are no fixed dates for dividend payments on the Shares. Each
Share affords the holder of such Share the right to one vote. Subject to the provisions of Part VII,
there are no restrictions on the transferability of the Shares.
5.3 The New Placing Shares will be issued on Admission, which is expected to occur on 4 November
2021. The ISIN of the Shares is USU0858L1036.
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6. Share Schemes
6.1 The Company currently operates the Existing Share Plan, under which its Directors, officers, employees
and consultants are eligible to receive awards over the Non-Voting Shares. The 1,479,692 Non-Voting
Shares are reserved for issuance under the Existing Share Plan, of which certain of the Directors and
the Group’s employees currently hold non statutory options over a total of 1,267,990 Non-Voting
Shares.
All Non-Voting Shares shall be converted into Shares pursuant to the Pre-IPO Reorganisation
immediately prior to Admission.
The Company does not intend to make any further grants of Options under the Existing Share Plan
after Admission. Accordingly, the details set out below relate only to those Options which are in
existence as at Admission. The Company currently intends to put a new option arrangement in place
(whether by adopting a new plan or amending and restating the Existing Share Plan) within the first
twelve months of Admission. The terms of such plan will be adopted by the Board subject to
shareholder approval.
To the extent an award granted under the Existing Share Plan expires or otherwise terminates without
having been exercised or paid in full, or is settled in cash, the shares subject to such award will
become available for future grant under the Existing Share Plan. In addition, to the extent shares
subject to an award granted under the Existing Share Plan are withheld to satisfy a participant’s tax
withholding obligation upon the exercise or settlement of such award (other than any substitute award)
or to pay the exercise price of a stock option or are forfeited or repurchased by the Company, such
shares will become available for future grant under the Existing Share Plan.
The purposes of the Existing Share Plan are to align the interests of the Company’s shareholders and
those eligible for awards, to retain officers, directors, employees and other service providers, and to
encourage them to act in the Group’s long-term best interests. The Existing Share Plan provides for
the grant of incentive stock options (within the meaning of Code Section 422), non statutory stock
options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and other share
awards.
A summary of the material provisions of the Existing Share Plan is set out below. This is a description
of significant rights and does not purport to be complete or exhaustive.
Plan Administration
The Board administers the Existing Share Plan, and may delegate administration to a committee of
one or more Directors.
The plan administrator has the power to determine who will be granted share awards, when and how
each share award will be granted, what type of share award will be granted, the provisions of each
share award (which need not be identical), and the number of Non-Voting Shares subject to, or the
cash value of, a share award.
Exercise/Purchase Price
The value of the Non-Voting Shares applicable to a share award is determined by the Board in
accordance with Section 409(a) of the Code or, in the case of an incentive stock option, in accordance
with Section 422 of the Code (“Fair Market Value”). The exercise price of any Option generally may
not be less than 100 per cent. of the Fair Market Value on the date that the Option is granted. The
Board may, after receiving the consent of any adversely affected participant, reduce the exercise,
purchase or strike price of any outstanding share award, or take any other action that is treated as
repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.
Options
The vesting provisions may vary and the Non-Voting Shares subject to an Option may vest and
become exercisable in periodic instalments that may or may not be equal. Generally, the Option
vesting schedule normally provides for vesting of 25 per cent. of the Options on the first anniversary
of the vesting commencement date and the remainder in a series of 36 equal monthly instalments
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thereafter. No Option may be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the date of its grant or
such shorter period specified in a Stock Award agreement. The Board may impose, in its sole
discretion, limitations on the transferability of Options. In the absence of any determination to the
contrary, an Option may not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution,
subject to certain exceptions, including pursuant to a marital settlement. Options may include a
provision whereby the Company may elect to repurchase all or any part of the vested shares of
Non-Voting Shares acquired by the participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option. Options may
also include a provision whereby the Company may elect to exercise a right of first refusal following
receipt of notice from the participant of the intent to transfer all or any part of the Non-Voting Shares
received upon the exercise of the Option. The right of repurchase and right of first refusal are subject
to the limitation discussed below under the subheading “Repurchase Limitation”.
Unless otherwise provided, if a participant’s service terminates as a result of the participant’s disability,
the participant may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the participant was entitled to exercise
such share award as of the date of termination) within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i)
the date 12 months following the termination of service (or such longer or shorter period specified in
the share award agreement, which period will not be less than six months unless such termination is
for cause), and (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the share award agreement.
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If, after termination of service, the participant does not exercise his or her Option within the applicable
timeframe, the Option will terminate.
Unless otherwise provided, if (i) a participant’s service terminates as a result of the participant’s death,
or (ii) the participant dies within the period (if any) specified in the share award agreement for
exercisability after the termination of the participant’s service (for a reason other than death), then the
Option may be exercised (to the extent the participant was entitled to exercise such Option as of the
date of death) by the participant’s estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option
by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Option upon the participant’s
death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (i) the date 18 months following the date of
death (or such longer or shorter period specified in the share award agreement, which period will not
be less than six months unless such termination is for cause), and (ii) the expiration of the term of
such Option as set forth in the share award agreement. If, after the participant’s death, the Option is
not exercised within the applicable timeframe, the Option will terminate.
Unless otherwise explicitly provided, if a participant’s service is terminated for cause, the Option will
terminate immediately, and the participant is prohibited from exercising his or her Option from and
after the date of such termination.
Certain Adjustments
In the event of a corporate transaction, such as a change of control, the Board may, among other
matters, arrange for the surviving or acquiring company to assume or continue the share award or
substitute a similar award, or accelerate the vesting of the share award to a date prior to the effective
time of such corporate transaction as the Board determines. The Board may take different actions
with respect to the vested and unvested portions of a share award. A share award may be subject
to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a change in control as may be
provided in the share award agreement for such share award.
If any change is made in the Shares, without the receipt of consideration by the Company, such as
through a stock split, stock dividend, extraordinary distribution, recapitalization, combination of shares,
exchange of shares or other similar transaction, appropriate adjustments will be made in the number,
class and price of shares subject to each outstanding award and the numerical share limits contained
in the plan. As a result of the proposed Pre-IPO Reorganisation, contemporaneously with Admission,
each outstanding Option and each future share award will be for Shares.
Admission will not trigger an acceleration of vesting of any share award under the Existing Share Plan.
Amendment
The Board has the right to amend the Existing Share Plan in any respect that the Board deems
necessary or advisable. If required by applicable law or the AIM Rules for Companies, the Company
will seek Shareholder approval of any amendment of the Existing Share Plan that (A) materially
increases the number of Shares available for issuance under the Existing Share Plan, (B) materially
expands the class of individuals eligible to receive share award under the Existing Share Plan, (C)
materially increases the benefits accruing to participants under the Existing Share Plan, (D) materially
reduces the price at which Shares may be issued or purchased under the Existing Share Plan, (E)
materially extends the term of the Existing Share Plan, or (F) materially expands the types of share
award available for issuance under the Existing Share Plan. Generally, no amendment of the Existing
Share Plan may materially impair a participant’s rights under an outstanding share award without the
participant’s written consent.
The Company intends to amend and restate its Existing Share Plan to further incentivise its employees
and management within the first twelve months of Admission. The adoption of the amended and
restated plan will be subject to shareholder approval.
Termination
The Board is allowed to suspend or terminate the Existing Share Plan at any time. The Existing Share
Plan will expire on 2 November 2027, unless terminated earlier by the Board. No share award may
be granted under the Existing Share Plan after it is terminated.
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6.2 As at the date of this document, the Directors and Senior Managers hold the following interests in
Options:
Exercise
Price on
Admission
Total number of Total following
Options held as number of Pre-IPO
Director/ Date of Exercise Expiration at the date of Options held Reorgan-
Senior Manager Award Price Date this Document on Admission isation1
Douglas Morin 4 November 2020 $15.11 3 November 2030 115,500 4,042,500 £0.33
1 April 2021 $15.11 31 March 2031 £0.31
27 August 2021 $23.90 26 August 2031 £0.50
Daniel Widdicombe 27 August 2021 $23.90 26 August 2031 115,000 3,220,000 £0.50
Brian Chadwick 27 August 2021 $23.90 26 August 2031 70,000 2,364,950 £0.50
Andrew Parsons 29 December 2018 $2.49 28 December 2028 95,000 2,455,495 £0.06
1 April 2021 $15.11 31 March 2031 £0.31
Sarah Seaby 27 August 2021 $23.90 26 August 2031 20,000 700,000 £0.50
Luke Vernon 22 April 2020 $6.22 21 April 2030 52,167 1,394,190 £0.14
1 April 2021 $15.11 31 March 2031 £0.31
John Bartkiw 29 December 2018 $2.49 28 December 2028 45,500 1,381,310 £0.06
1 April 2021 $15.11 31 March 2031 £0.31
On Admission 40,490,310 Options and warrants will be outstanding, of which 10,856,160 are vested.
The remaining balance will vest over the next 35 months.
6.3 In addition to the above Options, the Company granted the former shareholders of Nerial and Abest
the power to direct the Company to grant further Options (with a remaining maximum aggregate
amount of 15,000 and 9,524, respectively) to the employees and contractors, and in such amounts,
as designated by such former shareholders. As at the date of this document, the former shareholders
of Nerial and Abest have not fully exercised this right.
7.1 Objects
The Company may, and is authorised by its Certificate of Incorporation to, engage in any lawful act
or activity which corporations may be engaged in under the DGCL.
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prior to the Admission, or (iv) Shares issued upon exercise of any outstanding warrants or options
before or as of immediately prior to the Admission.
The Company intends to obtain an annual authorisation to allot and issue Shares at each annual
meeting for a proportion of Shares in line with institutional investor guidelines in force from time to
time. In accordance with UK investor guidelines, prior to Admission, the Company’s Shareholders
adopted resolutions to authorise the Board to allot and issue up to one-third of the issued share
capital of the Company whether for cash or non-cash consideration, with ten per cent. of such
authority able to be used by the Company to issue Shares for cash consideration and free of the
Shareholders' pre-emption rights which are contained in the Certificate of Incorporation, which such
authorities expiring at the next annual meeting of its Shareholders.
7.3 Shares
(a) Voting Rights
Each holder of Shares is entitled to one vote for each Share held by such holder. The Bylaws
provide that the holders of one-third of all Shares entitled to vote on a matter, represented by
Shareholders of record in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum, unless otherwise
required by law, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws. If a quorum is
present at a meeting of the Shareholders, then the affirmative vote of a majority of the Shares
present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the applicable
matter shall be the act of the Shareholders, unless the vote of a greater number of Shareholders
of voting classes is required by law, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws.
If a quorum is present at a meeting of the Shareholders at which any directors are to be elected,
such directors shall be elected by a majority of the votes of the Shares present in person or
represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.
7.4 Dividends
Holders of Shares are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the Board or any
authorised committee of the Board out of funds legally available for such purposes. Dividends may
be paid in cash, in property or in Shares, unless otherwise provided by applicable law or the Certificate
of Incorporation.
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employees, executive officers, directors, consultants, contractors or advisors under, and the issuance
of Shares pursuant to benefits granted under, the Company’s Existing Share Plan, or any share option
or equity incentive plan hereafter adopted by the Company and subject to any corporate governance
code adopted by the Company, (iii) options or Shares to be granted to employees, consultants,
contractors or other third parties under commitments in effect immediately prior to the Admission, or
(iv) Shares issued upon exercise of any outstanding warrants or options before or as of immediately
prior to Admission. The Company intends to obtain an annual dis-application of pre-emptive rights
at each annual meeting of Shareholders for a proportion of Shares in line with institutional investor
guidelines in force from time to time. Prior to Admission, the Company’s Shareholders adopted
resolutions to authorise the Board to issue up to 10% of the issued share capital for cash
consideration free of pre-emptive rights until the next annual meeting of Shareholders.
The Bylaws provide for an annual meeting of the Shareholders for the election of Directors and for
the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. A special meeting
of the Shareholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by a resolution
adopted by a majority of the Directors then in office. In contrast, for UK companies, holders of at
least 5 per cent of the outstanding share capital may request a general meeting of Shareholders to
be called and may propose resolutions to be voted on at the meeting. These provisions might delay
the ability of Shareholders to force consideration of a proposal (such as a takeover) or for Shareholders
to take any action, including the removal of directors.
The quorum for an annual or special meeting of Shareholders is the holders of one-third of all Shares
entitled to vote on a matter, represented by Shareholders of record in person or by proxy.
7.9 Directors
(a) Powers of Directors
Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law,
the business and property of the Company shall be managed by the Board.
(d) Vacancies
In the case of any vacancy on the Board, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the
number of Directors authorised to serve on the Board, such vacancy may be filled solely by
the vote of a majority of the remaining Directors (whether constituting a quorum or not) and
not by the Shareholders. These provisions may prevent a shareholder from increasing the size
of the Board and gaining control of the Board by filling the resulting vacancies with its
own nominees.
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(e) Appointment
Each Director serves for a term ending on the date of the third annual meeting following the
annual meeting at which such Director was elected, with the initial Directors serving as follows:
Class I (term expiring at 2022 annual meeting) –
Harry August Miller IV and Karen (Kate) Elizabeth Marsh
Class II (term expiring at 2023 annual meeting) –
Douglas Graham Morin and Joanne (Jo) Goodson
Class III (term expiring at 2024 annual meeting) –
Daniel Widdicombe, Jeffrey Lyndon Ko and Janet Astall
The existence of a classified Board might have the effect of delaying a successful tender offeror
from obtaining majority control of the Board, and the prospect of that delay might deter a
potential offeror.
7.10 Officers
The officers of the Company are appointed by the Board. In addition, the Board may authorise the
Chief Executive Officer to appoint officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, the Chairperson of
the Board, the President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer. The same person may hold two
or more offices.
7.11 Exculpation and Indemnification of officers, Directors, employees and other agents
The Certificate of Incorporation provides that a Director will not be personally liable to the Company
or its Shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director except for any
breach of the Director’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its Shareholders, any act or omission not
in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, unlawful payments
of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions, or any transaction from which the Director
derived an improper personal benefit.
The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by the
DGCL, will indemnify any person made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit
or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative to which the indemnified individual
was made a party because such individual is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer
of the Company or, while a director or officer of the Company, is or was serving at the request of the
Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint
venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against all liability and loss suffered and
expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by such indemnified individual. The Certificate
of Incorporation also provides that the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, will
advance expenses incurred by a person who is or was a director or officer in defending any civil,
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criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding. Notwithstanding this, except for
claims for indemnification (following the final disposition of such proceeding) or advancement of
expenses not paid in full, the Company will be required to indemnify an indemnified individual in
connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such indemnified individual only if the
commencement of such proceeding (or part thereof) by the indemnified individual was authorised in
the specific case by the Board. In addition, the Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company
may, to the extent authorised from time to time by the Board, provide rights to indemnification and
to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Company similar to those to
directors and officers of the Company.
7.12 Notices
The Bylaws provide for notices to Shareholders to be in writing and delivered personally or mailed to
the Shareholders in accordance with applicable law. Notice of any meeting need not be given to any
Shareholder who shall, either before or after the meeting, submit a waiver of notice or who shall attend
such meeting, except when the Shareholder attends for the express purpose of objecting, at the
beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called
or convened. Any Shareholders so waiving notice of the meeting shall be bound by the proceedings
of the meeting in all respects as if due notice thereof had been given.
In addition, the Board may serve a disclosure notice (“Disclosure Notice”) in writing on any person
whom the Board, has reasonable cause to believe to be interested in the Company’s securities,
requiring such person to indicate whether or not it is the case and, where such person holds any
interest in any such securities, to give such further information as may be required by the Board. If a
Disclosure Notice has been served on a person and the Company has not received the information
required in respect of the specified securities in writing within such reasonable time as specified in
the Disclosure Notice, then the Board may apply certain restrictions on the specified securities.
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7.17 Takeovers
The Certificate of Incorporation provides that if a person (i) acquires Shares which (taken together
with securities held or acquired by persons acting in concert with such person) represent 30 per cent
or more of the voting rights attaching to the issued Shares, or (ii) (together with persons acting in
concert with such person) holds not less than 30 per cent, but not more than 50 per cent, of the
voting rights attaching to the issued Shares and such person, or any person acting in concert with
such person, acquires additional securities, which will increase such person’s percentage holding of
such voting rights, then any such person (and any persons acting in concert with such person) must
make a written cash offer or cash alternative to the holders of all of the Shares to acquire the
outstanding Shares at a value not less than the highest price paid by such Shareholder for Shares of
that class during the previous 12 months. The provision is intended to give the Company and its
Shareholders protections similar to those available under Rule 9 of the Takeover Code as if it applied
to the Company. These takeover provisions will cease to apply if the Shares cease to be admitted to
trading on AIM or the London Stock Exchange.
8. Squeeze out rules relevant to the holders of Shares as set out in the DGCL
Section 267 of the DGCL outlines the procedures by which a controlling Shareholder or parent corporation
that has obtained 90 per cent or more of the Shares may consummate a short form merger to squeeze out
the remaining Shareholders. Generally, if a parent corporation owns at least 90 per cent of the outstanding
Shares of each class of a subsidiary corporation’s shares that otherwise would be entitled to vote on such
merger, the parent corporation may merge the subsidiary corporation into itself, or, alternatively, may merge
itself or both itself and the subsidiary corporation into a third corporation. A short-form merger is effected
unilaterally by a board resolution of the parent company. A Shareholder generally would be entitled to certain
appraisal rights under Section 262 of the DGCL (as discussed below) in connection with the squeeze out
merger if the merger consideration was considered by such Shareholder to be below “fair value”. However,
no resolution of the Shareholders would be required to effect the squeeze out merger. Under Section 262
of the DGCL, a holder of Shares of common stock of a company that is the target of a merger, sale or
consolidation who does not wish to accept the consideration being offered may elect to have the company
pay in cash to him or her the “fair value” of his or her common shares, plus accrued interest (excluding any
appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the corporate action unless exclusion would be inequitable),
provided that the Shareholder comply with the conditions set forth in Section 262 of the DGCL. If there is a
dispute between the Shareholder and the Company as to the fair value of the common shares, Section 262
of the DGCL provides that the fair value may be judicially determined.
Appraisal rights under Section 262 of the DGCL are a statutory remedy intended to provide Shareholders
who dissent from a merger with an independent judicial determination of the fair value of their Shares. Except
for certain circumstances in which appraisal rights are not available, appraisal rights are generally available
for the shares of any class or series of shares of a constituent corporation in a merger or consolidation. A
Shareholder who does not wish to accept the consideration being offered in the merger or consolidation
may exercise their appraisal rights by not voting in favour of the merger or consolidation nor consenting
thereto in writing and complying in all respects with Section 262. A Shareholder who properly exercises and
does not waive, fails to perfect or otherwise loses such appraisal rights, will be entitled to have their Shares
appraised by the Delaware Court of Chancery and to receive payment in cash of an amount equal to the
“fair value” of such Shares as determined by such court, exclusive of any element of value arising from the
accomplishment or expectation of the merger or consolidation, together with interest, if any, as determined
by such court. The “fair values” determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery could be greater than, less
than or the same as the consideration payable in the merger or consolidation.
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9.2 There are no outstanding loans granted or guarantees provided by the Company to or for the benefit
of any of the Directors. There are no outstanding loans or guarantees provided by the Directors to or
for the benefit of the Company.
9.3 No Director has any interest, whether direct or indirect, in any transaction which is or was unusual in
its nature or conditions or significant to the business of the Company taken as a whole and which
was effected by the Company during the current or immediately preceding financial year, or during
any earlier financial year and which remains in any respect outstanding or unperformed.
9.4 Save as otherwise disclosed in this document, none of the Directors nor any member of their respective
families nor any person connected with the Directors (within the meaning of section 252 of the
Companies Act) has any holding, whether beneficial or otherwise, in the share capital of the Company.
9.5 None of the Directors nor any member of their respective families is dealing in any related financial
product (as defined in the AIM Rules) whose value in whole or in part is determined directly or indirectly
by reference to the price of the Shares, including a contract for differences or a fixed odds bet.
9.6 Save as disclosed in paragraph 9.1 above, the Company is not aware of any interest in the Company’s
share capital which amounts or would, immediately following Admission, amount to 3 per cent or
more of the Company’s issued share capital, other than the following:
2 Of which 118,000 are held by family members and other persons connected with him.
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9.7 The voting rights of the Shareholders set out in paragraph 9.6 above do not differ from the voting
rights held by other Shareholders.
9.8 Save as set out in paragraph 9.6 of this Part VI, the Directors are not aware of any persons who,
directly or indirectly, jointly or severally, exercise or could exercise control over the Company. In
addition, as far as the Company is aware, there are no arrangements in place, the operation of which
may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the Company.
Executive Directors
(a) Harry Miller, Director and Executive Chairman
Pursuant to an agreement with the Company dated 29 October 2021, Harry is employed by
the Company as an Executive Director and Executive Chairman. Harry’s salary is $400,000
per annum. The Company may in its absolute discretion pay to Harry a bonus of such amount,
at such intervals and subject to such conditions as the Board may in its absolute discretion
determine from time to time. Harry’s employment commencement date for the purposes of
his continuous employment is 26 March 2008. In addition to the usual conduct-related
termination rights, either party may terminate his employment on twelve months’ notice. Harry’s
service agreement contains confidentiality undertakings and prohibitions (which apply for a
period of twelve months following termination of employment) on competing, soliciting and
dealing with customers, poaching employees and interfering with relationships with suppliers.
Non-Executive Directors
(d) Kate Marsh, Senior Independent Director
Pursuant to a letter of appointment with the Company dated 29 October 2021, Kate has been
appointed as the Senior Independent Director of the Company. The appointment is subject to
re-election at the next annual meeting but is terminable earlier by either side giving three
months’ notice at any time. The fee payable to Kate will be £75,000 per annum with an
additional £5,000 for being chair of the Remuneration Committee. She has an anticipated time
commitment of 24 days per year.
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10.2 Save as set out in this paragraph 10, there are no service agreements in existence between any of
the Directors and the Company or any Company in the Group.
10.3 Save as disclosed in this paragraph 10, there are no service contracts in existence between any of
the Directors and the Company or any Company in the Group that provide for benefits upon
termination of employment.
Current directorships
and partnerships Past directorships
Director (other than the Company) and partnerships
Harry August Ruidosa Ghost Town, LLC None
Miller IV High and Mighty LLC
(Executive Chairman) Gambitious Partners USA LLC
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Current directorships
and partnerships Past directorships
Director (other than the Company) and partnerships
Karen (Kate) Entertainment Networks UK
Elizabeth Marsh Limited
(Senior Independent Plato Media Limited
Director) (continued) Rocks & Co Television Limited
SET Networks Africa (UK) Limited
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Benelux
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Deutschland GmbH
Sony Pictures Entertainment Iberia
S.L. (Chair)
Sony Pictures Entertainment Italia
SRL (Chair)
Step TOPCO Limited
Step Acquisition Co Limited
Step Mid Co Limited
Media Mix UK
Jeffrey Lyndon Ko People Sharing Streetart Together DSKY Venture Co Ltd (주식회사
(Independent Non- UK Limited 디에스케이와 이벤처스)
Executive Director) DSKY Venture Co Ltd (주식회사 iDreamSky Technology Limited
디에스케이와 이벤처스) Shenzhen iDreamSKY Technology
iDreamSky Technology Holdings Co Ltd (深圳市創夢天地科技有限
Limited (創夢天地科技控股有限公 公司)
司) iSkytouch HK Limited
iDreamSky Technology (HK)
Limited (創夢天地科技(香港)有限
公司)
Shenzhen iDreamSKY Technology
Co Ltd (深圳市創夢天地科技有限
公司)
Spray (BVI) Limited
IDS09 Holdings Limited
IDS11 Holdings Limited
IDS13 Holdings Limited
DSKY Venture Co Ltd (주식회사디
에스케이와 이벤처스)
Shipshape Holdings Limited
IDS04 Holdings Limited
IDS14 Holdings Limited
IDS15 Holdings Limited
Dream Technology Holdings
Limited
Gorgeous Catch Limited
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11.2 Janet Astall was a trustee of The Maternity Alliance and Research Trust when it went into a creditor’s
voluntary liquidation on 19 December 2005. Preferential creditors were paid in full and there was an
estimated deficit to unsecured creditors of approximately £10,000. The Company was dissolved on
25 February 2008.
11.3 None of the Directors:
(a) has, any unspent convictions in relation to indictable offences;
(b) had any bankruptcy order made against him or her or or entered into any voluntary
arrangements;
(c) has, save as disclosed in this document, been a director of a company which has been placed
in receivership, compulsory liquidation, creditors’ voluntary liquidation, administration, been
subject to a company voluntary arrangement or any composition or arrangement with its
creditors generally or any class of its creditors whilst he or she was a director of that company
or within the 12 months after he or she ceased to be a director of that company;
(d) has been a partner in any partnership which has been placed in compulsory liquidation,
administration or been the subject of a partnership voluntary arrangement whilst he or she was
a partner in that partnership or within the 12 months after he or she ceased to be a partner in
that partnership;
(e) has been the owner of any assets or a partner in any partnership which has been placed in
receivership whilst he or she was a partner in that partnership or within the 12 months after he
or she ceased to be a partner in that partnership;
(f) has been publicly criticised by any statutory or regulatory authority (including recognised
professional bodies); or
(g) has been disqualified by a court from acting as a director of any company or from acting in the
management or conduct of the affairs of a company.
12. Employees
12.1 During each of the accounting reference periods ending on the dates set out below, the Group had
the following average number of employees:
As at As at As at As at
31 December 2018 31 December 2019 31 December 2020 30 June 2021
20 22 56 130
12.2 As at the date of this document, the Group had 130 employees and the geographic breakdown is as
follows:
Location Number
England 44
US 31
Croatia 24
Netherlands 6
Canada 5
China 4
Scotland 4
Germany 2
Spain 2
Brazil 1
Bulgaria 1
Finland 1
France 1
Japan 1
Poland 1
Romania 1
Sweden 1
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12.3 The Group, as part of its ordinary operations, also utilises the services of independent contractors.
Under the terms of the Placing Agreement, the Company and the Directors have given certain
customary warranties to the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent and the Company
has given certain customary indemnities to the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent
in connection with Admission and other matters relating to the Group and its affairs. The liability of
each Director and of each Selling Shareholder is capped. The Sole Bookrunner and the US Private
Placement Agent may terminate the Placing Agreement in certain specified circumstances prior to
Admission, including if any of the warranties have ceased to be true and accurate in any respect or
shall have become misleading in any respect or in the event of circumstances existing which make it
impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with Admission. A commission is payable to the Sole
Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent by the Company relating to the gross proceeds of
the sale of New Placing Shares.
Under the Placing Agreement each of the Selling Shareholders has agreed to sell certain Sale Shares
in connection with the Placing at the Placing Price and to pay a commission to the Sole Bookrunner
and the US Private Placement Agent, as applicable, relating to the gross proceeds of the sale of their
Sale Shares. Each of the Selling Shareholders has provided customary warranties and indemnities
as to title and capacity. The Sale Shares will include the Option Sale Shares, which result from the
exercise of Options.
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The relevant periods for each type of Locked-in Persons are as follows:
Aggregate
number
Length of of Shares Percentage
Length orderly- subject to the of Enlarged
of lock-in market Lock-in Share
(from (from end of and Orderly Capital as at
Locked-in Person Admission) lock-in period) Market Deeds Admission
The Directors, the Existing Founders 12 months 12 months 250,205,307 56.6%
and the founders of the Group’s subsidiaries
Shareholders (NetEase Entities and 6 months 6 months 43,657,950 9.9%
FortuneEase L.P.)
Shareholders (team members 6 months 6 months 8,076,285 1.8%
of both Devolver and the Group’s subsidiaries)
Shareholders (contractors or 6 months 6 months 11,652,025 2.6%
other non-team members)
The Subscribers (being certain friends and family 3 months 9 months 285,285 0.1%
of the Board and certain persons who
were investors in Good Shepherd)
The exceptions to the lock-in undertakings are as follows: (i) with the prior written consent of Zeus
Capital, which consent may be withheld at the absolute discretion of Zeus Capital or granted subject
to such terms and conditions as Zeus Capital may in its absolute discretion determine; (ii) pursuant
to a bona fide third party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction made to
holders of Shares; (iii) pursuant to an offer by the Company to purchase its own shares which is made
on identical terms to the holders of shares of the same class and otherwise complies with the DGCL;
(iv) pursuant to a plan, compromise or other arrangement between the Company and its creditors or
any class of them or between the Company and its members or any class of them; (v) pursuant to
any decision or ruling by an administrator, administrative receiver or liquidator appointed to the
Company in connection with a winding up or liquidation of the Company; (vi) in the event of an
intervening court order requiring the disposal of any Shares subject to the undertaking; (vii) in the
case where the Shareholder is an individual: (A) to a member of the Shareholder’s family (being their
spouse, civil partner, children and grandchildren (including any step or adopted child or grandchild)
at nil cost; (B) to a trustee of any trust or any new or continuing trustee(s) following a change in the
identity of the trustee(s) of any trust, the beneficiaries of which are restricted to any of the Shareholder
and members of their family at nil cost; (C) to their personal representatives in the event of their death;
and (D) to their trustee in bankruptcy in the event of their bankruptcy; and (viii) in the case where the
Shareholder is a corporate entity, to a member of the Shareholder's corporate group. In cases where
a transfer is made under paragraphs (vii) or (viii) the transferee shall be required to undertake by way
of deed to adhere to the same restrictions as described herein.
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arrangements shall (subject to certain early termination provision in the agreement) continue unless
terminated by either party giving the other not less than three months’ notice in writing to the other
such notice to expire no sooner than 12 months from the date of the Nominated Adviser and Broker
Agreement. The Company has agreed to pay Zeus Capital a fee of £80,000 (plus VAT) per annum for
its services as nominated adviser and broker under the Nominated Adviser and Broker Agreement.
Acquisition agreements
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the entire issued share capital of Gambitious and its respective shareholdings in its subsidiaries (GSE
USA, LLC (100%), Artificer (85%) and GS Capital B.V. (95%)) for cash consideration of
$15,725,787.12, plus an additional 534,256 Non-Voting Shares (which will, prior to Admission be
converted into Shares). A portion of the share consideration received by the employee Gambitious
Sellers, totalling 103,087 Non-Voting Shares in the aggregate (which will, prior to Admission, be
converted into Shares), are subject to restrictions on transfer and a repurchase option of the Company
upon any termination of the employment by the Group employer of the applicable employee
Gambitious Seller, whether by Gambitious or by the employee. This repurchase option lapses over a
three-year period following the completion date in equal monthly instalments. The Gambitious SPA
includes a standard set of warranties for this type of agreement. Certain of the Gambitious Sellers
entered into restrictive covenants for the period of two years from the completion date.
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The Call Option may not be exercised in part, but may be exercised in full by Trousdale at any time
until 20 March 2029. The Call Option may only be terminated by Trousdale by written notice to
Gambitious. The Call Option is still in effect and exercisable. The Call Option Agreement is governed
by the laws of the Netherlands.
On 12 December 2020, Devolver and Mr. Wilson entered into a Stock Repurchase Agreement whereby
the Company repurchased 1,064,120 Shares from Mr. Wilson. Devolver chose to effect the repurchase
through an installment payment method, and the final payment was made on 1 April 2021.
With respect to a particular video game that Devolver has the rights to publish, Devolver is required to
notify NetEase Singapore as to the rights of first offer detailed above. NetEase Singapore and Devolver
then have 30 calendar days to exclusively negotiate to reach a non-binding letter of intent setting forth
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the principal terms that NetEase Singapore will enter into a distribution agreement with Devolver. If no
letter of intent is reached, then the rights of first offer with respect to the specified game terminate.
18. Taxation
The information set out below describes the principal UK and US tax consequences of the acquisition,
holding and disposal of the Shares and is included for general information only. It is not intended to be, nor
should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any prospective investors. This section does not take
into account the individual circumstances of any prospective investors and should not be relied upon by
any prospective investor or any other person. Each prospective investor should obtain, and only rely upon,
their own professional tax advice regarding the tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of
the Shares under the laws of their country and/or state of citizenship, domicile or residence. This summary
is based on tax legislation in force as at the date of this document, without prejudice to any amendments
introduced at a later date and implemented with retroactive effect.
18.1 UK taxation
The following statements are intended only as a general guide to current UK tax legislation and to
the current practice of HMRC and may not apply to certain Shareholders, such as dealers in
securities, insurance companies and collective investment schemes. They relate (except where stated
otherwise) to persons who are resident, and in the case of individuals, domiciled in (and only in) the
United Kingdom for UK tax purposes, who are beneficial owners of Shares (and any dividends paid
on them) and who hold their Shares as an investment (and not as employment-related securities and
other than via an individual savings account). They are based on current UK legislation and what is
understood to be the current practice of HMRC as at the date of this document, both of which may
change, possibly with retroactive effect. The tax position of certain categories of Shareholders who
are subject to special rules (such as persons acquiring their Shares in connection with employment,
dealers in securities, insurance companies and collective investment schemes or those who hold 10
per cent or more of the Shares or those who are non-UK domiciled individuals) is not considered.
Any person who is in any doubt as to his or her tax position, or who is subject to taxation in any
jurisdiction other than that of the United Kingdom, should consult his or her own professional advisers
immediately.
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tax resident corporate Shareholder holding any rolled over tax base cost pre
31 December 2017 may claim indexation allowance on a subsequent disposal on the Shares,
but such indexation allowance will only be up to 31 December 2017.
Treatment of the transfer of Shares into CREST and the trading of Depositary Interests within
CREST should not give rise to a liability to stamp duty or SDRT on the basis that the Admission
does not involve a change in title or beneficial ownership in the Shares for consideration. Where
there is a transfer of Shares into CREST (where Depositary Interests are issued) there should
be no SDRT or stamp duty provided that there is no change in beneficial ownership of the
Shares. Where there is a transfer of Shares into CREST (where Depositary Interests are issued)
and there is a change in beneficial ownership of the Shares, no charge to SDRT should arise
on the basis that the underlying Shares are and will continue to be traded on a recognised
growth market (AIM).
Assuming that no document of transfer is executed for such a transfer there should be no
stamp duty either.
Where Depositary Interests are traded (wholly within CREST), no charge to SDRT should arise
on the basis that the underlying Shares are and will continue to be traded on a recognised
growth market (AIM).
Since any transfer of the Depositary Interests will be wholly within CREST, and no documents
of transfer will be executed, no charge to stamp duty should arise on the transfer of Depositary
Interests (wholly within CREST).
(g) Treatment of the transfer of Shares out of CREST and trading of the underlying Shares
Where there is a transfer of Shares out of CREST (which may Involve a collapse of the
Depositary Interests) and there is a change in beneficial ownership of the Shares, no charge
to SDRT should arise, provided that:
(i) the register of members of the Company continues to be maintained outside the United
Kingdom; and
(ii) the Shares are not paired with shares or marketable securities in UK incorporated
companies.
Provided that the register of members of the Company continues to be maintained outside
the United Kingdom, and the Shares are not paired with shares or marketable securities in UK
incorporated companies, there should be no SDRT on any agreement to transfer the Shares
themselves. However, any document transferring title to the Shares will be technically within
the scope of UK stamp duty (at the rate of 0.5 per cent., rounded up to the nearest £5) if it is
executed in the United Kingdom or relates (wheresoever executed) to any matter or thing done
or to be done in the United Kingdom. Where stamp duty arises, this is generally payable by
the purchaser. Stamp duty is not a directly enforceable tax. As such, any stamp duty which
may arise should not generally be required to be paid in respect of transfers of Shares, unless
the document of transfer is required to be relied upon as evidence in a UK court or for other
official purpose in the United Kingdom. However, where the stamp duty is paid late, interest
and penalties may arise.
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18.2 US taxation
The following is a summary of certain material United States federal income tax consequences of the
acquisition, ownership and disposition of Fundraising Shares by a Non-US Holder, as defined below.
This summary is based on the tax laws of the United States including the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, (the “Code”), its legislative history, final, temporary and proposed US Treasury
regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, each as in effect on the
date hereof and all of which are subject to change, or changes in interpretation, at any time, possibly
with retroactive effect.
The following discussion applies to non-US Holders that acquire Fundraising Shares in the Fundraising
and hold such Shares as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally,
property held for investment). This discussion does not address all of the tax considerations that may
be relevant to non-US Holders in light of their particular circumstances, including holders that may
be subject to special tax rules, including, but not limited to:
l certain financial institutions, banks, thrifts or insurance companies;
l brokers, dealers or traders in securities;
l a trader in securities who elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for its securities
holdings;
l investors subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of any item of gross income with
respect to Fundraising Shares being taken into account in an applicable financial statement;
l tax-exempt entities;
l individual retirement and other tax-deferred accounts;
l persons that will hold the Company’s securities as part of a “straddle,” “hedging,” “constructive
sale,” “conversion” or other integrated transaction or as a position in a “straddle” for United
States federal income tax purposes;
l persons who acquire the Company’s securities pursuant to the exercise of compensatory
options or compensatory warrants or in other compensatory transactions;
l persons that may be liable for the alternative minimum tax;
l foreign governments or international organizations; or
l persons that own or are deemed to own directly, indirectly, or constructively 5 per cent. or
more, by voting power or value, of the Company’s stock.
Furthermore, this discussion does not address any tax considerations with respect to estate or gift
taxes, the United States federal Medicare tax on net investment income or the alternative minimum
tax, nor does it address any tax considerations arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign
jurisdiction, or under any United States federal laws other than those pertaining to income taxes.
This description is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete
analysis or summary of all potential United States federal income tax consequences that may apply
as a result of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Fundraising Shares. Each prospective
investor is urged to consult its own tax adviser regarding the United States federal, state, local and
non-United States income and other tax considerations of their investment in the Company’s Shares.
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A Shareholder is a Non-US Holder if, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Shareholder
is the beneficial owner, other than a partnership or entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for
United States federal income tax purposes, of Fundraising Shares and is, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes:
(i) an individual that is a nonresident alien;
(ii) a corporation (or other entity or arrangement that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes) that is treated as a foreign corporation;
(iii) an estate the income of which is not includable in gross income for United States federal
income tax purposes; or
(iv) a trust (a) that does not have a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person
under the Code and (b) either (x) the administration of such trust is not subject to the primary
supervision of a United States court or (y) no United States person has authority to control all
of such trust’s substantial decisions.
If a partnership (or any other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for United States federal
income tax purposes) holds Fundraising Shares, the tax treatment of a partner (or other interest holder)
in such partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner (or other interest holder) and
the activities of the partnership. Any such partner (or other interest holder) or partnership should
consult their tax advisers as to the United States federal income tax consequences to them of the
ownership and disposition of the Company's Shares.
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(a) Distributions
Distributions of cash or other property in respect of Fundraising Shares (other than certain
distributions of common stock) will constitute dividends for United States federal income tax
purposes to the extent of the Company's current or accumulated earnings and profits, as
determined under United States federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions
exceed the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will
constitute a return of capital and will first reduce the holder's basis in the Shares, but not below
zero, and then will be treated as a gain on the disposition of Shares as described below.
Dividends paid to a Non-US Holder will generally be subject to withholding tax at a 30 per
cent. rate unless the Non-US Holder is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that
provides for a reduced rate of withholding and the Non-US Holder establishes its eligibility for
the reduced rate by providing a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or
applicable successor form) claiming an exemption from or reduction of the withholding tax
under the benefit of an applicable income tax treaty.
Additionally, a Non-US Holder will not be subject to withholding tax if such Non-US Holder
holds Shares in connection with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States
(and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-US Holder maintains a permanent
establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable), dividends are
paid in connection with that trade or business, and such Non-US Holder provides a properly
executed United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form W-8ECI (or applicable successor
form) stating that the dividends are effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-US
Holder of a trade or business within the United States. Instead, such Non-US Holder will
generally be subject to US federal income tax at the rates applicable to US persons and, in
the case of a corporate Non-US Holder, a branch profits tax at a rate of 30 per cent. or such
lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
If a Non-US Holder is eligible for a reduced rate of withholding, such Non-US Holder may file
a refund claim with the IRS for a refund of any amounts withheld in excess of such reduced
rate.
If a Non-US Holder is described in the first category above, such Non-US Holder will generally
be subject to US federal income tax at the rates applicable to United States persons and, in
the case of a corporate Non-US Holder, a branch profits tax at a rate of 30 per cent. or such
lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. If a Non-US Holder is
described in the second category above, such Non-US Holder will be required to pay a flat 30
per cent. (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) tax on
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the gain derived from the sale, which tax may be offset by United States-source capital losses
for the year.
With respect to the third bullet above, the Company believes that it is not currently, and has
not been, a USRPHC. However, because the determination of whether the Company is a
USRPHC depends on the fair market value of the Company’s United States real property
relative to the fair market value of certain of the Company’s other assets, there can be no
assurance that the Company will not become a USRPHC in the future.
(c) FATCA
Withholding taxes may be imposed under Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (commonly
referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act or “FATCA”) on certain types of
payments made to non-United States financial institutions and certain other non-United States
entities. Specifically, a 30 per cent. withholding tax may be imposed on payments of dividends
if paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in
the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution enters into an agreement with the United
States Department of the Treasury to undertake certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2)
the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any “substantial United States
owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial
United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity
otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial
institution which entered into the agreement in (1) above, the diligence and reporting
requirements include, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain
“specified United States persons” or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined
in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30 per
cent. on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other
account holders. An intergovernmental agreement governing FATCA between the United
States and an applicable foreign country may modify the requirements described in this
paragraph.
The FATCA withholding tax will apply to all withholdable payments without regard to whether
the beneficial owner of the payment would otherwise be entitled to an exemption from
withholding tax pursuant to an applicable tax treaty with the United States or under other
provisions of the Code. Non-US Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the
potential application of withholding under FATCA and potential credit against other withholding
tax of any amounts withheld under FATCA.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be
credited against a Non-US Holder’s US federal income tax liability. A Non-US Holder generally
may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules in excess of
such Non-US Holder’s United States federal income tax liability by filing the appropriate claim
for refund with the IRS in a timely manner and furnishing any required information.
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19.2 The Depositary Interests representing the Shares will be issued to the individual Shareholders’ CREST
account on a one for one basis and with the Depositary providing the necessary custodial service. It
is expected that, where Placees have asked to hold their Shares in uncertificated form, they will have
their CREST accounts credited with Depositary Interests on the day of Admission. Investors who are
able to and elect to hold their Shares as Depositary Interests will be bound by a Deed Poll (the terms
of which are summarised below), executed by the Depositary in favour of the Investors from time to
time, the terms of which are summarised below. The rights and obligations pertaining to the
Depositary Interests will be governed by English law. Holders of Depositary Interests will have no
rights in respect of the underlying Shares or the Depositary Interests against CREST, the operating
company of the CREST system, or its subsidiaries. The Depositary Interests are themselves
independent securities constituted under English law and can be settled within the CREST system in
the same way as any other CREST security. The Shareholders that are non-US Persons have the
choice of whether to hold their Shares in certificated form or in uncertificated form in the form of
Depositary Interests. Shareholders who are able to and elect to hold their Shares in uncertificated
form through the Depositary Interest facility will be bound by a deed of trust.
19.3 The Company’s share register, which will be kept by the Registrar in Jersey, will show the Depositary
or its nominated custodian as the holder of the Shares represented by Depositary Interests but the
beneficial interest will remain with the Shareholder. Shareholders can withdraw their Shares back into
certificated form at any time using standard CREST messages.
19.4 Where Placees have requested to receive their Shares in certificated form, share certificates will be
despatched by first-class post within 10 Business Days of the date of Admission. No temporary
documents of title will be issued. Pending the receipt of definitive share certificates in respect of the
Shares (other than in respect of those Shares settled via Depositary Interests through CREST),
transfers will be certified against the Company’s share register.
19.5 The Depositary Interests themselves have been created and constituted by the Depositary entering
into the Deed Poll on 19 October 2021. The Deed Poll is executed by the Depositary, in favour of the
holders of the Depositary Interests from time to time. Shares will be transferred to an account of the
Depositary's appointed custodian (“Custodian”) and the Depositary will issue Depositary Interests
to participating members.
19.6 Each Depositary Interest will be treated as one Share for the purposes of determining, for example,
eligibility for any dividends. The Depositary will pass on to holders of Depositary Interests any stock
or cash distributions received by it as holder of Shares on trust for such Depositary Interest holder.
Depositary Interest holders will also be able to receive from the Depositary notices of meetings of
holders of Shares and other information to make choices and elections issued by the Company to
the Shareholders.
In summary, the Deed Poll contains, amongst other things, provisions to the following effect:
(a) the Depositary will hold (itself or through the Custodian), as bare trustee, the underlying
securities issued by the Company and all and any rights and other securities, property and
cash attributable to the underlying securities for the time being held by the Depositary or
Custodian pertaining to the Depositary Interests for the benefit of the holders of the Depositary
Interests. The Depositary will re-allocate securities or distributions allocated to it or the
Custodian pro rata to the Shares held for the respective accounts of the holders of Depositary
Interests but will not be required to account for fractional entitlements arising from
such re-allocation;
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(b) holders of Depositary Interests warrant, amongst other things, that the securities in the
Company transferred or issued to the Depositary or Custodian for the account of the
Depositary Interest holder are free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances or third party
interests and that such transfers or issues are not in contravention of the Company’s by-laws
or any contractual obligation, or applicable law or regulation binding or affecting such holder;
(c) the Depositary and any Custodian must pass on to Depositary Interest holders, or exercise on
their behalf, all rights and entitlements received by the Depositary or the Custodian in respect
of the underlying securities. Rights and entitlements to cash distributions, to information, to
make choices and elections and to attend and vote at meetings shall, subject to the Deed
Poll, be passed on in the form in which they are received, together with amendments and
additional documentation necessary to effect such passing on, or exercised in accordance
with the Deed Poll. If arrangements are made which allow a holder to take up rights in the
Company’s securities requiring further payment, the holder must put the Depositary or its
appointed agent in cleared funds before the relevant payment date or other date notified by
the Depositary if it wishes the Depositary to exercise such rights;
(d) the Depositary will be entitled to cancel Depositary Interests and treat the holders as having
requested a withdrawal of the underlying securities in certain circumstances including where
a Depositary Interest holder fails to furnish to the Depositary such certificates or representations
as to material matters of fact, including his or her identity, as the Depositary deems appropriate;
(e) the Deed Poll contains provisions excluding and limiting the Depositary’s liability to a maximum
of £5 million. For example, the Depositary shall not be liable to any Depositary Interest holder
or any other person for liabilities in connection with the performance or non-performance of
obligations under the Deed Poll or otherwise, except as may result from its negligence or wilful
default or fraud or that of any person for whom it is vicariously liable, provided that the
Depositary shall not be liable for the negligence, wilful default or fraud of any Custodian or
agent which is not a member of its Group unless it has failed to exercise reasonable care in
the appointment and continued use and supervision of such Custodian or agent;
(f) the Depositary is entitled to charge holders of Depositary Interests fees and expenses for the
provision of its services under the Deed Poll;
(g) the holders of Depositary Interests are required to agree and acknowledge to the Depositary
that it is their responsibility to ensure that any transfer of Depositary Interests by them which
is identified by the CREST system as exempt from stamp duty reserve tax is so exempt, and
to notify the Depositary if this is not the case, and to pay to Euroclear any interest, charges or
penalties arising from non-payment of stamp duty reserve tax in respect of such transaction;
(h) the Depositary is entitled to make deductions from any income or capital arising from the
underlying securities, or to sell such underlying securities and make deductions from the sale
proceeds therefrom, in order to discharge the indemnification obligations of Depositary Interest
holders;
(i) the Depositary may terminate the Deed Poll by giving 30 days’ notice. During such notice
period holders are obliged to cancel their Depositary Interests and withdraw their deposited
property and, if any Depositary Interests remain outstanding after termination, the Depositary
must, among other things, deliver the deposited property in respect of the Depositary Interests
to the relevant Depositary Interest holders or, at its discretion, sell all or part of such deposited
property. It shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, deliver the net proceeds of any such sale,
after deducting any sums due to the Depositary, together with any other cash held by it under
the Deed Poll pro rata to holders of Depositary Interests in respect of their Depositary Interests;
and
(j) the Depositary or the Custodian may require from any holder information as to the capacity in
which Depositary Interests are or were owned and the identity of any other person with or
previously having any interest in such Depositary Interests and the nature of such interest, and
evidence or declarations of nationality or residence of the legal or beneficial owners of
Depositary Interests and such information as is required for the transfer of the relevant Shares
to the holders. Holders agree to provide such information as requested and consent to the
disclosure of such information by the Depositary or Custodian to the extent necessary or
desirable to comply with their legal or regulatory obligations. Furthermore, to the extent that
the Company’s constitutional documents require disclosure to the Company of, or limitations
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in relation to, beneficial or other ownership of the Company’s securities, the holders of
Depositary Interests are to comply with the Company’s instructions with respect thereto.
In contrast, a Delaware corporation permits the board of directors to issue shares to the extent
authorised in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation without the need for shareholder approval.
The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation currently authorises the Board of Directors to issue up to
2,975,000,000 (such figure being the maximum number of shares (following the 35 to 1 stock split
pursuant to the Pre-IPO Reorganisation) that the Company is authorised to issue under Delaware
law without having to amend the certificate of incorporation) shares of common stock and no shares
of preferred stock. The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation will be amended prior to Admission to
limit the Board’s authority to allot and issue Shares for cash or non-consideration without Shareholder
approval except for certain exceptions enumerated in paragraph 7.2 of this Part VI. The Company
intends to seek additional authorities each year at its annual meeting of Shareholders in accordance
with UK investor guidelines.
The DGCL does not by default provide for pre-emptive rights. However, the Certificate of Incorporation
of the Company will be amended prior to Admission to provide that unless otherwise determined in
a meeting of Shareholders by the affirmative vote of at least 75 per cent of the Shares present in
person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter, each Shareholder
shall have a pre-emptive right to subscribe for its pro rata share of Shares (with certain exceptions as
set out in paragraph 7.6 of this Part VI) that the Company may, from time to time, propose to issue
wholly for cash, but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Board may deem
necessary, appropriate or expedient in their exclusive discretion to deal with fractional entitlements
or legal restrictions under the laws, or the requirements of any regulatory authority or stock exchange
or otherwise in any jurisdiction. The Company intends to seek an authority from its Shareholders to
disapply these pre-emption rights at each annual meeting of Shareholders but only to an extent which
is in accordance with UK investor guidelines.
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20.4 Takeovers
Except to the extent voluntarily incorporated by the Company to be administered by the Board, the
Company will not be subject to the Takeover Code and certain provisions contained in the Company’s
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws make a hostile takeover of the Company more difficult to
achieve. These provisions are set out below.
The Company has included a provision in its Certificate of Incorporation requiring Shareholders who
acquire certain percentages of Shares of the Company to offer to purchase all of the outstanding
share capital of the Company at a value not less than the highest price paid by such Shareholder for
Shares of that class during the previous 12 months. The provision is intended to give the Company
and its Shareholders protections similar to those available under Rule 9 of the Takeover Code as if it
applied to the Company, and is described in paragraph 7.17 of this Part VI.
Generally under Delaware law, a court will defer to the “business judgment” of the directors in their
response to a proposed merger transaction, absent a conflict of interest. While this legal principle is
limited (for example, in certain transactions involving a “sale of control” (as defined within Delaware
case law) where the standard shifts and requires the Board to obtain the best transaction reasonably
available for shareholders), the “business judgment” presumption generally provides the Board with
the ability to reject any takeover offer and to take certain actions to position the Company against a
takeover in the future, including actions that would be deemed to be “frustrating actions” under the
Takeover Code.
Additionally, Section 203 of the DGCL regulates corporate takeovers.In general Section 203 prohibits
a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested
stockholder” (generally, a holder of 15 per cent. or more of the Company’s voting shares) for a
three-year period following the date that this stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless
the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner.
US federal securities laws also regulate certain types of takeover activity. In particular, provisions of
the US Exchange Act regulate tender offers and require public disclosure, by means of a filing with
the SEC, of acquisitions of beneficial ownership of over five per cent. (5 per cent.) of outstanding
voting equity securities in a publicly traded company. Although many of these provisions of the US
Exchange Act will not apply to the Company unless and until it has a class of shares registered under
the US Exchange Act or otherwise becomes subject to US Exchange Act reporting requirements, it
may become subject to these requirement in the future.
Finally, the ownership of the Shares is currently concentrated among a small number of Shareholders
including the Concert Party. This may make it difficult or impossible for a third-party to take over the
Company if one or more of these Shareholders does not want to sell or the Concert Party
votes together.
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21. General
21.1 The net proceeds of the Fundraising available to the Company are expected to be £29,870,927. Total
transaction costs to the Company of Admission are expected to be approximately £6,677,096. These
transaction costs include (but are not limited to) commissions, accountancy fees, legal fees and the
fees of the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent.
21.2 Save in connection with the application for Admission, none of the Shares have been admitted to
dealings on any recognised exchange and no application for such admission has been made and it
is not intended to make any other arrangements for dealings in the Shares on any such exchange.
21.3 Save as disclosed in this document, there are no investments in progress and there are no future
investments on which the Directors have already made firm commitments which are significant to
the Company.
21.4 Save as disclosed in this document, the Directors are unaware of any environmental issues that may
affect the Company’s utilisation of its fixed tangible assets.
21.5 Save as disclosed in this document, so far as the Directors are aware, there have not, in relation to
the Company, been any significant recent trends in production, sales, inventory, costs and selling
prices between the end of the last financial year of the Company and the date of this document.
21.6 Save as disclosed in this document, so far as the Directors are aware, there have not, in relation to
the Company, been any known trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events that are
reasonably likely to have a material effect on the issuer’s prospects between the end of the last
financial year of the Company and the date of this document.
21.7 Save as set out in this Part VI, there are no provisions in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
or Bylaws which would have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the
Company.
21.8 Each of Zeus Capital and Beech Hill has given and not withdrawn its written consent to the inclusion
in this document of reference to its name.
21.9 Grant Thornton UK LLP has given and not withdrawn its written consent to the inclusion in this
document of its report in Section A of Part IV of this document in the form and context in which it is
included. Grant Thornton UK LLP is a member firm of chartered accountants regulated by the Institute
of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
21.10 The previous auditors of the Group were Bauer & Company LLC who have audited the accounts for
the Group for each of the financial years ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019. The
Company has since appointed Grant Thornton LLP as auditors for the year ended 31 December
2020 onwards. Bauer & Company LLC is registered with the Texas State Board of Public
Accountancy.
21.11 Where information has been sourced from a third party this information has been accurately
reproduced. As far as the Company is aware and is able to ascertain from information provided by
that third party, no facts have been omitted which would render the reproduced information inaccurate
or misleading.
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21.13 The following persons have received fees totalling £10,000 or more from Devolver within the
12 months immediately preceding the date of this document, or have entered into a contract to
receive £10,000 or more from Devolver on or after Admission
(a) Swan Partners Limited;
(b) RSM UK Tax and Accounting Limited;
(c) Richard, Layton & Finger, P.A.;
(d) Divjak, Topić, Bahtijarević & Krka;
(e) Refinitiv Limited; and
(f) Infinite Equity Inc.
21.14 Save as disclosed in this document, no person (other than the Company’s professional advisers
named in this document and trade suppliers) has at any time within the 12 months preceding the
date of this document received, directly or indirectly, from the Company or entered into any contractual
arrangements to receive, directly or indirectly, from the Company on or after Admission any fees,
securities in the Company with a value of £10,000 or more calculated by reference to the Placing
Price or any other benefit with a value of £10,000 or more at the date of Admission.
Position in Company/
Relationship with Number of
Name3 Company Sale Shares
Harry A. Miller IV Executive Chairman 10,895,360
Daniel Widdicombe CFO 805,000
Michael Wilson Founder 19,239,605
Eric D. Stults Employee 16,841,650
Nigel Lowrie Employee 5,833,660
Graeme Struthers Employee 3,339,980
Paul Brandt Shareholder 218,750
Tiena Ann Brandt Shareholder 218,750
Stacy Lynn Palmer Shareholder 131,250
Scott Wilson Bennett Shareholder 131,250
James Odis Fite Shareholder 131,250
Zachary Miller Carrico Shareholder 131,250
Isaac Sheridan Carrico Shareholder 131,250
Frank Glidden Carrico III Shareholder 131,250
NetEase (Hong King) Limited Shareholder 12,526,290
FortuneEase L.P. Shareholder 8,421,070
NetEase Interactive Entertainment PTE. LTD. Shareholder 6,447,350
Andrew Parsons Employee 869,505
Jonathan Rosales Employee 447,440
Katy Ludlow Employee 143,465
James-Michael Specht Employee 143,465
Jared Stults Employee 92,190
Jeff Smith Employee 74,970
Karen Marshall Employee 83,860
John Bartkiw Employee 211,190
Vieko Franetovic Employee 58,520
Robbie Paterson Employee 55,615
Luke Vernon Employee 147,945
Mark Lloyd Employee 63,210
Andrea Ng Employee 1,995
Brian Chadwick Employee 85,050
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Position in Company/
Relationship with Number of
Name3 Company Sale Shares
Daniel Smith Employee 15,540
Kert Gartner Employee 39,830
Stephanie Tinsley Fitzwilliam Employee 65,625
Michael Lee Jackson Employee 17,500
Valerie Luessenhop Employee 13,125
Le G Tran Employee 21,875
Eli Penner Employee 19,425
Michael Cauller Employee 9,730
Keith Chaudhary Employee 57,470
Viraj Bihal Employee 9,695
Roman Ribarić Employee 2,494,450
Dean Sekulić Employee 831,460
Admir Elezović Employee 755,895
Davor Hunski Employee 2,494,450
Davor Tomičić Employee 982,660
Ivana Hunski Employee 34,860
Helena Hunski Employee 34,685
Goran Adrinek Employee 23,520
Jasmin Redzepagic Employee 7,000
Ivan Krpelnik Employee 24,360
Valentin Berger Employee 6,230
Marko Jagodic Employee 10,500
Roland Aloisius Johannes van Besouw Shareholder 58,415
Patrick Joosten Employee 40,565
Vernon Vrolijk Employee 131,670
Michiel Verheijdt Employee 1,680
Guy Michielsens Employee 1,540
Francois Louis Marie Alliot Employee 154,630
Tamara Alliot Employee 154,630
Arnaud De Bock Employee 233,275
Kevin Ribeiro-Ansoult Employee 1,400
Eric Ouellette Employee 306,005
Simon Bradbury Employee 204,015
Ben Tarrant Employee 2,240
Nikolay Dimitrov Employee 3,255
Alessio Molinaro Employee 3,255
Andreas Lostromos Employee 4,340
Thomas Ward Employee 1,680
Darren Thompson Employee 665
David Crooks Employee 193,235
Joseph Harty Employee 193,235
David Rubel Employee 193,235
Brent Sodman Employee 386,505
3 The business address for all Selling Shareholders is in care of Devolver Digital, 3267 Bee Caves Road, #107 (Box 63) Austin, Texas
78746, United States.
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PART VII
Capitalised terms used in this Part VII that are not defined in the document have the meaning given such
terms in Rule 902 of Regulation S under the US Securities Act.
Once the Shares are admitted to trading on AIM, Shares (as represented by the Depositary Interests) held
in the CREST system will be identified with the marker “REG S” and will be segregated into a separate
sector of the trading system within CREST for the duration of the Distribution Compliance Period, as more
fully explained in the Appendix (Terms and Conditions of the Placing – CREST: Regulation S Category 3
Settlement Services).
CREST Legend
The Shares (represented by the Depositary Interests and held in the CREST system) will bear a legend in
substantially the form set forth below, unless the Company determines otherwise in compliance with
applicable law:
“THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER
THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “US SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE
OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, US
PERSONS (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT (“REGULATION S”)). THE
SHARES ARE BEING OFFERED ONLY TO NON-US PERSONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN
TRANSACTIONS EXEMPT FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE US SECURITIES ACT
IN RELIANCE ON REGULATION S. THE SHARES ARE “RESTRICTED SECURITIES” AS DEFINED UNDER
RULE 144(a)(3) PROMULGATED UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT. THE SHARES MAY NOT BE TAKEN
UP, OFFERED, SOLD, RESOLD, DELIVERED OR DISTRIBUTED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY WITHIN, INTO
OR FROM THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, US PERSONS (AS
DEFINED IN REGULATION S) EXCEPT: (I) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION MEETING THE
REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATION S, (II) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE US SECURITIES ACT, OR (III) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT.
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BY ACCEPTING THESE SHARES, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT (A) IS NOT A
US PERSON (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S) AND (B) IS NOT HOLDING THE SHARES FOR THE
ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF ANY US PERSON.
Please note that the capitalised terms used below have the meanings as set forth in Rule 902 of the US
Securities Act.
l No Directed Selling Efforts may be made in the United States by, for purposes of Rule 903, the issuer,
a Distributor, any of their respective Affiliates, or any person acting on behalf of any of the foregoing,
or, for the purposes of Rule 904, the seller, an affiliate, or any person acting on their behalf;
l The offer or sale, if made prior to the expiration of a one-year Distribution Compliance Period or such
longer period as may be required under applicable law or as determined by the Company, may not be
made to a US Person or for the account or benefit of a US Person (other than a Distributor); and
l The offer or sale, if made prior to the expiration of a one-year Distribution Compliance Period or such
longer period as may be required under applicable law or as determined by the Company, must be
made pursuant to the following conditions:
❍ The purchaser of the Shares (other than a Distributor) must certify that it is not a US Person and
is not acquiring the Shares for the account or benefit of any US Person or is a US Person who
purchased Shares in a transaction that did not require registration under the US Securities Act.
❍ The purchaser of the Shares must agree to resell such Shares only in accordance with the
provisions of Regulation S (“Regulation S”) under the US Securities Act, pursuant to registration
under the US Securities Act, or pursuant to an available exemption from registration; and must
agree not to engage in hedging transactions with regard to such Shares unless in compliance
with the US Securities Act.
❍ The Shares of the Company must contain a legend to the effect that transfer is prohibited except
in accordance with the provisions of Regulation S, pursuant to registration under the US Securities
Act, or pursuant to an available exemption from registration; and that hedging transactions
involving those Shares may not be conducted unless in accordance with the US Securities Act;
❍ The Company is required, either by contract or a provision in its bylaws, articles, charter or
comparable document, to refuse to register any transfer of the Shares not made in accordance
with the provisions of Regulation S, pursuant to registration under the US Securities Act, or
pursuant to an available exemption from registration; provided however, that if the Shares are in
bearer form or foreign law prevents the Company from refusing to register securities transfers,
other reasonable procedures (such as a legend as described immediately above) are implemented
to prevent any transfer of the Shares not made in accordance with the provisions of Regulation S;
and
❍ Each Distributor selling Shares to a Distributor, a dealer (as defined in Section 2(a)(12) of the US
Securities Act), or a person receiving a selling concession, fee or other remuneration, prior to the
expiration of the one-year Distribution Compliance Period or such longer period as may be
required under applicable law or as determined by the Company, must send a confirmation or
other notice to the purchaser stating that the purchaser is subject to the same restrictions on
offers and sales that apply to a Distributor.
l In the case of an offer or sale of Shares prior to the expiration of the one-year Distribution Compliance
Period or such longer period as may be required under applicable law or as determined by the
Company by a dealer (as defined in Section 2(a)(12) of the US Securities Act), or a person receiving a
selling concession, fee or other remuneration in respect of the Shares offered or sold:
❍ Neither the seller nor any person acting on its behalf may know that the offeree or buyer of the
Shares is a US Person; and
❍ If the seller or any person acting on the seller’s behalf knows that the purchaser is a dealer (as
defined in Section 2(a)(12) of the US Securities Act) or is a person receiving a selling concession,
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fee or other remuneration in respect of the Shares sold, the seller or a person acting on the seller’s
behalf must send to the purchaser a confirmation or other notice stating that the Shares may be
offered and sold during the one-year Distribution Compliance Period or such longer period as
may be required under applicable law or as determined by the Company only in accordance with
the provisions of Regulation S; pursuant to registration of the Shares under the US Securities
Act; or pursuant to an available exemption from the registration requirements of the US Securities
Act.
l In the case of an offer or sale of Shares by an officer or director of the issuer or a Distributor, who is an
affiliate of the issuer or Distributor solely by virtue of holding such position, no selling concession, fee
or other remuneration may be paid in connection with such offer or sale other than the usual and
customary broker’s commission that would be received by a person executing such transaction as
agent.
l Shares acquired from the Company, a Distributor, or any of their respective Affiliates in a transaction
subject to the conditions of Rule 901 or Rule 903 are deemed to be “restricted securities” as defined
in Rule 144 (“Rule 144”) under the US Securities Act. Resales of any of such restricted securities by
the offshore purchaser must be made in accordance with Regulation S, the registration requirements
of the US Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. Any “restricted securities”, as defined in Rule 144,
will continue to be deemed to be restricted securities, notwithstanding that they were acquired in a
resale transaction made pursuant to Rule 901 or 904.
Purchaser and Seller Certifications for Shares Held in the CREST System
While any Shares held in the CREST system have a “REG S” markers, persons taking delivery of the Shares
(including in connection with the Placing), acquiring Shares by way of transfer or otherwise, or, upon
withdrawal of the Shares from CREST, selling Shares, will be required in advance of such transaction to
make the certifications, acknowledgements and agreements (as applicable), on its own behalf and on behalf
of each person for which it is acquiring or, in certain instances, selling the Shares, summarised below:
l The Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the US Securities Act and may not be
offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US Persons except
pursuant to registration under the US Securities Act or an exemption from, or in a transaction not
subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act.
l It is neither the Company nor an affiliate of the Company.
l It is not a US Person and is not acting for the account or benefit of any US Person.
l Unless the Company determines otherwise in compliance with applicable law, the Shares will bear a
restrictive legend in substantially the form set out above.
l It has reviewed the restrictive legend (in substantially the form set out above), including the restrictions
set forth in the text of the legend, and agrees to those restrictions.
l Unless the Shares are offered or sold pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject
to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act:
❍ the Company will not be required to accept for registration of transfer any Shares that are being
transferred to a US Person; and
❍ the Company may require any person who is required to be a non-US Person, but is not, to
transfer the Shares immediately in a manner consistent with the transfer restrictions.
l The Company’s bylaws and articles may contain additional provisions that further limit your, or any
such person’s rights relating to these Shares.
l If it offers, resells, pledges or otherwise transfer the Shares, such Shares will be offered, resold, pledged
or otherwise transferred only: (i) to the Company, (ii) to a transferee that agrees to also comply with the
restrictions set forth in the certification (either in electronic form or in a form otherwise acceptable to
the Company) and who is also a non-US Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with
Regulation S of the Securities Act, or (iii) pursuant to registration, or an available exemption from
registration, under the Securities Act.
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l It will not engage, directly or indirectly, in hedging transactions with regard to the Shares unless in
compliance with the US Securities Act.
l The Company, its Affiliates, Zeus Capital, the US Private Placement Agent and others will rely on the
acknowledgments, representations and warranties contained in this certification as a basis for
establishing the exemption of the sale of the Shares under the US Securities Act and under the
securities laws of all applicable states, and for other purposes.
l By completing the purchase your certifications and agreements contained herein may be relied on by
the Company or any interested party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with
respect to the matters covered hereby.
l If you are a broker dealer, your customer has been advised of and understands the contents of this
certification and has authorized you to make the acknowledgements, representations, warranties and
covenants contained herein on its behalf.
The legends and form of certification are in standard form and cannot be amended or tailored to different
situations. The form and text of the certifications and the legends are subject to change in event of a change
in applicable laws or regulations, market practice or operational procedures.
Purchasers of Shares in certificated form will be required in advance of any transfer to make equivalent
certifications, acknowledgements and agreements in a form acceptable to the Company.
Certificated Legend
Shares in certificated form will bear a legend in substantially the form set forth below, unless the Company
determines otherwise in compliance with applicable law:
“THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER
THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “US SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES LAWS. THE SHARES ARE “RESTRICTED SECURITIES” AS DEFINED UNDER RULE 144(a)(3)
UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT.
THE HOLDER HEREOF AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT THE SHARES MAY NOT
BE TAKEN UP, OFFERED, SOLD, RESOLD, DELIVERED OR DISTRIBUTED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
WITHIN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, US
PERSONS (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT (“REGULATION S”))
EXCEPT: (I) IN AN “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION” (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S) MEETING THE
REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATION S, (II) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE US SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH
APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, OR (III) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT (WHICH IT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE COMPANY IS
UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO DO), IN EACH CASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE US
SECURITIES LAWS AND, IN THE CASE OF (II), AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (OR SUCH OTHER EVIDENCE
AS IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION) SHALL BE DELIVERED TO THE
COMPANY (AND UPON WHICH THE COMPANY MAY RELY) REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF SUCH
EXEMPTION. RESALES OR REOFFERS OF SHARES MADE OFFSHORE IN RELIANCE ON REGULATION
S MAY NOT BE SOLD TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY US PERSON (AS DEFINED IN
REGULATION S) DURING THE ONE YEAR DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD UNDER REGULATION
S. AS PROVIDED IN THE BYLAWS OF THE COMPANY, THE COMPANY MAY REFUSE TO REGISTER ANY
TRANSFER OF THE SHARES NOT MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH
ABOVE. HEDGING TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THESE SHARES MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED UNLESS
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE US SECURITIES ACT.
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Subscription Shares and (ii) in the case of Placing Shares, the expiration of the Distribution Compliance
Period or such longer period as may be required under applicable law or as determined by the Company.
Rule 144 may be available for US resales of Shares by Affiliates of the Company, subject to various conditions
including, among others, the availability of current information regarding the Company, satisfaction of
applicable holding periods and volume and manner of sale restrictions. Shares held by Affiliates of the
Company shall be held in certificated form and, accordingly, settlement shall not be permitted via the CREST
system until such time as the relevant restrictions are no longer applicable. Affiliates of the Company at the
time of the Placing, or investors that become Affiliates at any time after the Placing, should seek advice of
independent US legal counsel prior to selling or transferring any Shares. A liquid trading market for the
Shares does not currently exist in the United States, and the Company does not expect such a market to
develop soon.
Definition of US Person
In this document, a “US Person” has the meaning set forth in Regulation S and includes:
l any natural person resident in the United States;
l any partnership or corporation organised or incorporated under the laws of the United States;
l any estate of which any executor or administrator is a US Person;
l any trust of which any trustee is a US Person;
l any agency or branch of a foreign entity located in the United States;
l any non-discretionary account or similar account (other than an estate or trust) held by a dealer or
other fiduciary for the benefit or account of a US Person;
l any discretionary account or similar account (other than an estate or trust) held by a dealer or other
fiduciary organised, incorporated or (if an individual) resident in the United States; and
l any partnership or corporation if it is organised or incorporated under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction
and formed by a US Person principally for the purpose of investing in securities not registered under
the US Securities Act, unless it is organised or incorporated and owned, by accredited investors (as
defined in Rule 501(a) under the US Securities Act) who are not natural persons, estates or trusts.
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APPENDIX
THIS APPENDIX AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN (TOGETHER, THE “TERMS AND
CONDITIONS”) (WHICH IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY) ARE DIRECTED ONLY AT: (A)
PERSONS IN MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (THE “EEA”) WHO ARE
QUALIFIED INVESTORS WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 2(E) OF REGULATION (EU) 2017/1129 OF
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL OF 14 JUNE 2017, (THE “EU PROSPECTUS
REGULATION”) (“EU QUALIFIED INVESTORS”); (B) PERSONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHO ARE
QUALIFIED INVESTORS WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 2(E) OF REGULATION (EU) 2017/1179
WHICH FORMS PART OF DOMESTIC LAW PURSUANT TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT
2018 (THE “UK PROSPECTUS REGULATION”) (“UK QUALIFIED INVESTORS”) WHO ARE ALSO
PERSONS WHO (I) HAVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS WHO
FALL WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5) (INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND
MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005, AS AMENDED (THE “ORDER”); OR (II)
PERSONS FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 49(2)(A) TO (D) (HIGH NET WORTH COMPANIES,
UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.) OF THE ORDER; (C) A LIMITED NUMBER OF PERSONS IN
THE UNITED STATES THAT ARE “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYERS” WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE
144A UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT (“QIBS”), AND (D) ARE PERSONS TO WHOM IT MAY
OTHERWISE BE LAWFULLY COMMUNICATED (ALL SUCH PERSONS TOGETHER BEING REFERRED TO
AS “RELEVANT PERSONS”).
THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND THE INFORMATION IN THEM MUST NOT BE ACTED ON OR
RELIED ON BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS. PERSONS DISTRIBUTING THESE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS MUST SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT IT IS LAWFUL TO DO SO. ANY
INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS RELATE IS
AVAILABLE ONLY TO RELEVANT PERSONS AND WILL BE ENGAGED IN ONLY WITH RELEVANT
PERSONS. THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DO NOT THEMSELVES CONSTITUTE AN OFFER FOR THE
SALE OR SUBSCRIPTION OF ANY SECURITIES IN THE COMPANY.
The Placing Shares have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act or under any
securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. The Placing Shares are being offered
and sold only (i) outside of the United States to persons who are not US Persons or acting for the account
or benefit of any US Persons in “offshore transactions” (as defined in Regulation S) in accordance with, and
in reliance on, the safe harbour from registration provided by Rule 903(b)(3), or Category 3, of Regulation S
and (ii) in the United States to persons reasonably believed to be QIBs pursuant to an exemption from, or
in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act and in accordance
with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. The Placing Shares
have not been approved or disapproved by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, any state
securities commission in the United States or any US regulatory authority, nor have any of the foregoing
authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of any proposed offering of the Placing Shares, or the
accuracy or adequacy of this document. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United
States. There will be no public offer of the securities mentioned herein in the United States. Hedging
transactions in the Placing Shares may not be conducted unless in compliance with the US Securities Act.
The Company has not been and will not be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the “Investment Company Act”) and, as such, investors will not be entitled to the benefits of
the Investment Company Act. No offer, purchase, sale or transfer of the Placing Shares may be made except
under circumstances which will not result in the Company being required to register as an investment
company under the Investment Company Act.
These Terms and Conditions or any part of them do not constitute or form part of any offer to issue or sell,
or the solicitation of an offer to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any securities in the United States, Canada,
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Republic of South Africa or any other jurisdiction in which the same
would be unlawful. No public offer of securities of the Company, including the Placing Shares, is being made
in the United Kingdom, the EEA, the United States or elsewhere.
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The relevant clearances have not been, nor will they be, obtained from the securities commission of any
province or territory of Canada, no prospectus has been lodged with, or registered by, the Australian
Securities and Investments Commission or the Japanese Ministry of Finance; the relevant clearances have
not been, and will not be, obtained for the South Africa Reserve Bank or any other applicable body in the
Republic of South Africa in relation to the Placing Shares and the Placing Shares have not been, nor will
they be registered under or offered in compliance with the securities laws of any state, province or territory
of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan or the Republic of South Africa. Accordingly, the Placing Shares
may not (unless an exemption under the relevant securities laws is applicable) be offered, sold, resold or
delivered, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, Japan or the Republic of South Africa or any
other jurisdiction outside the United Kingdom and the EEA.
Hong Kong
WARNING: The contents of this document have not been reviewed or approved by any regulatory authority
in Hong Kong. You are advised to exercise caution in relation to the offer of the Securities. If you are in any
doubt about any of the contents of this document, you should obtain independent professional advice.
The Securities may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which
do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous
Provisions) Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of
the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or
(iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of
the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and
no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the Securities may be issued or may be in the possession
of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed
at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted
to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to Securities which are or are intended to be
disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the
Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
This document is confidential to the person to whom it is addressed and no person to whom a copy of this
document is issued may issue, circulate, distribute, publish, reproduce or disclose (in whole or in part) this
document to any other person in Hong Kong without the consent of the issuer.
Japan
The Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of
Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948 as amended, the “FIEA”) and disclosure under the FIEA has not been, and will
not be, made with respect to the Shares. Neither the Shares nor any interest therein may be offered, sold,
resold, or otherwise transferred, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan, except pursuant
to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the FIEA and all
other applicable laws, regulations and guidelines promulgated by the relevant Japanese governmental and
regulatory authorities. As used in this paragraph, a resident of Japan is any person that is resident in Japan,
including any corporation or other entity organised under the laws of Japan.
In connection with the primary offering of the Shares, registration pursuant to Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the
FIEA has not been made as the solicitation for the offering is “shoninzu muke kanyu” as set out in
Article 23-13, Paragraph 4 of the FIEA, and the Shares may only be offered, sold, resold or otherwise
transferred, directly or indirectly to, or for the benefit of, 49 or fewer residents of Japan.
Introduction
Each Placee which confirms its agreement to the Sole Bookrunner or the US Private Placement Agent
(whether orally or in writing) to subscribe for or purchase Placing Shares under the Placing, hereby agrees
with the Sole Bookrunner, the US Private Placement Agent and the Company that it will be bound by these
Terms and Conditions and will be deemed to have accepted them. By participating in the Placing, each
Placee will be deemed to have read and understood this document, including these Terms and Conditions,
in its entirety, to be participating, making an offer and acquiring Placing Shares on the terms and conditions
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contained herein and to be providing the representations, warranties, indemnities, acknowledgements and
undertakings contained in these Terms and Conditions.
The Company and/or the Sole Bookrunner and/or the US Private Placement Agent may require any Placee
to agree to such further terms and/or conditions and/or give such additional warranties and/or
representations as they (in their absolute discretion) see fit and/or may require any such Placee to execute
a separate placing letter or representation letter.
No prospectus
The Placing Shares are being offered to a limited number of specifically invited persons only and will not be
offered in such a way as to require any prospectus or other offering document to be published. No
prospectus or other offering document has been or will be submitted to be approved by the FCA or
submitted to the London Stock Exchange in relation to the Placing or the Placing Shares and Placees’
commitments will be made solely on the basis of their own assessment of the Company, the Placing Shares
and the Placing based on the information contained in this document (including these Terms and Conditions)
and subject to any further terms set forth in any trade confirmation sent to individual Placees.
Each Placee, by participating in the Placing, agrees that the contents of this document is exclusively the
responsibility of the Company and confirms that it has neither received nor relied on any information,
representation, warranty or statement made by or on behalf of the Sole Bookrunner, the US Private
Placement Agent, the Company, the Selling Shareholders or any other person and none of the Sole
Bookrunner, the US Private Placement Agent, the Company, the Selling Shareholders nor any other person
acting on such person’s behalf nor any of their respective Affiliates has or shall have any responsibility or
liability for any Placee’s decision to participate in the Placing based on any other information, representation,
warranty or statement which the Placee may have obtained or received, and no reliance may be placed by
a Placee on any earlier version or draft of this document, including any pathfinder admission document or
printers proof admission document. Each Placee acknowledges and agrees that it has relied on its own
investigation of the business, financial or other position of the Company in accepting a participation in the
Placing. No Placee should consider any information in this document to be legal, tax or business advice.
Each Placee should consult its own attorney, tax advisor, and business adviser for legal, tax and business
advice regarding an investment in the Placing Shares. Nothing in this paragraph shall exclude the liability of
any person for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation by that person.
The Placing is not underwritten by the Sole Bookrunner or the US Private Placement Agent.
The New Placing Shares will, when issued, be credited as fully paid up and will be issued subject to the
Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and rank pari passu in all respects with the existing
Shares, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid on or in
respect of the Shares after the date of issue of the Placing Shares, and will on issue be free of all claims,
liens, charges, encumbrances and equities.
The Sale Shares will, when sold, be credited as fully paid up. The Sale Shares are subject to the Company’s
certificate of incorporation and bylaws and rank pari passu in all respects with the existing Shares, including
the right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid on or in respect of the Shares.
The Sale Shares will be sold free of all claims, liens, charges, encumbrances and equities.
The Sole Bookrunner, the US Private Placement Agent and the Company expressly reserve the right to
modify the Placing (including, without limitation, its timetable and settlement) at any time before Admission.
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It is expected that Admission of the Placing Shares will become effective at 8.00 a.m. (London time) on or
around 4 November 2021 (or such later time and/or date as the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private
Placement Agent may agree with the Company, being no later than 2 December 2021) and that dealings in
the Placing Shares will commence at that time.
Once the Placing Shares are admitted to trading on AIM, the Placing Shares will trade under the symbol
DEVO. The Placing Shares (represented by the Depository Interests) will be held in the CREST system and
identified with the marker “REG S” and segregated into a separate sector of the trading system within CREST
for the duration of the Distribution Compliance Period.
2. Allocations of the Placing Shares will be determined by Zeus Capital after consultation with the
Company (the proposed allocations having been supplied by Zeus Capital to the Company in advance
of such consultation). Allocations will be confirmed to Placees acquiring Placing Sharers in reliance on
Regulation S either orally or in writing by the Sole Bookrunner and a contract note may be despatched
thereafter. If a contract note is despatched, these Terms and Conditions shall be deemed incorporated
into that contract note. The Sole Bookrunner’s confirmation to such Placee constitutes an irrevocable
legally binding commitment upon such person (who will at that point become a Placee), in favour of
the Sole Bookrunner and the Company, pursuant to which such Placee agrees to acquire the number
of Placing Shares allocated to it and to pay or procure the payment of the Placing Price in respect of
such shares on the terms and conditions set out in these Terms and Conditions (the “Placing
Participation”). Except with the Sole Bookrunner’s consent, such confirmation will be legally binding
on the Placee on behalf of which it is made and will not be capable of variation or revocation after the
time at which it is submitted.
3. Irrespective of the time at which a Placee’s allocation pursuant to the Placing is confirmed, settlement
for all Placing Shares to be subscribed for pursuant to the Placing will be required to be made at the
same time, on the basis explained below under “Registration and Settlement”.
4. All obligations under the Placing will be subject to fulfilment or (where applicable) waiver of the
conditions referred to below under “Conditions of the Placing” and to the Placing not being terminated
on the basis referred to below under “Right to terminate under the Placing Agreement”.
5. By participating in the Placing, each Placee agrees that its rights and obligations in respect of the
Placing will terminate only in the circumstances described below and will not be capable of rescission
or termination by the Placee.
6. To the fullest extent permissible by law, neither the Sole Bookrunner, nor the US Private Placement
Agent, nor the Company, nor the Directors, nor the Selling Shareholders, nor any of their respective
Affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees shall have any responsibility or liability to Placees (or
to any other person whether acting on behalf of a Placee or otherwise). In particular, neither the Sole
Bookrunner, nor the US Private Placement Agent, nor the Company, nor the Directors, nor the Selling
Shareholders, nor any of their respective Affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees shall have
any responsibility or liability (including to the extent permissible by law, any fiduciary duties) in respect
of the Sole Bookrunner’s or the US Private Placement Agent’s conduct of the Placing or of such
alternate method of effecting the Placing as Zeus Capital and the Company may determine.
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7. The Placing Shares will be issued subject to these Terms and Conditions and each Placee’s
commitment to subscribe for or purchase Placing Shares on the terms set out herein will continue
notwithstanding any amendment that may in future be made to the terms and conditions of the Placing
and Placees will have no right to be consulted or require that their consent be obtained with respect
to the Company’s, or the Sole Bookrunner’s or the US Private Placement Agent’s conduct of the
Placing.
8. All times and dates in this document may be subject to amendment. The Sole Bookrunner or the US
Private Placement Agent shall notify the Placees and any person acting on behalf of the Placees of
any changes.
The Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent may, at their discretion and upon such terms as
they think fit, extend the time for satisfaction of, or waive compliance by the Company, the Directors or the
Selling Shareholders with the whole or any part of any of their respective obligations in relation to the
Conditions or extend the time or date provided for fulfilment of any such Conditions in respect of all or any
part of the performance thereof, provided that it shall not be later than the Long Stop Date. The condition
in the Placing Agreement relating to Admission taking place may not be waived. Any such extension or
waiver will not affect Placees’ commitments as set out in these Terms and Conditions.
If: (i) any of the Conditions are not fulfilled or (where permitted) waived or extended by the Sole Bookrunner
and the US Private Placement Agent by the relevant time or date specified (or such later time or date as the
Company and the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent may agree, not being later than
the Long Stop Date); or (ii) the Placing Agreement is terminated in the circumstances specified below under
“Right to terminate under the Placing Agreement”, the Placing will not proceed and the Placees’ rights and
obligations hereunder in relation to the Placing Shares shall cease and terminate at such time and each
Placee agrees that no claim can be made by it or on its behalf (or any person on whose behalf the Placee
is acting) in respect thereof.
Neither the Sole Bookrunner, nor the US Private Placement Agent, nor the Company, nor the Selling
Shareholders, nor any of their respective Affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees shall have any
liability to any Placee (or to any other person whether acting on behalf of a Placee or otherwise) in respect
of any decision they may make as to whether or not to waive or to extend the time and/or date for the
satisfaction of any Condition to the Placing, nor for any decision they may make as to the satisfaction of
any Condition or in respect of the Placing generally, and by participating in the Placing each Placee agrees
that any such decision is within the absolute discretion of the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement
Agent.
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2. there has been a breach by the Company, the Selling Shareholders or the Directors of any of the
warranties contained in the Placing Agreement;
3. the Company, the Selling Shareholders or the Directors have failed to comply with any of their
obligations under the Placing Agreement;
4. there has been a material adverse change in connection with the Group; or
5. a force majeure event occurs.
Where the Placing Agreement is terminated by the US Private Placement Agent only, Zeus Capital may elect
to proceed with the Placing, in which case such termination shall apply to the US Private Placement Agent
only and the Placing Agreement shall continue in full force and effect as between the Company, the Directors,
the Selling Shareholders and Zeus Capital.
Upon termination, the parties to the Placing Agreement shall be released and discharged (except for any
liability arising before or in relation to such termination) from their respective obligations under or pursuant
to the Placing Agreement, subject to certain exceptions.
By participating in the Placing, each Placee agrees that (i) the exercise by the Sole Bookrunner or the
US Private Placement Agent of any right of termination or of any other discretion under the Placing
Agreement shall be within the absolute discretion of the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement
Agent (acting in good faith) and that they need not make any reference to, or consult with, Placees and that
they shall have no liability to Placees whatsoever in connection with any such exercise or failure to so exercise
and (ii) its rights and obligations terminate only in the circumstances described above under “Right to
terminate under the Placing Agreement” and “Conditions of the Placing”, and its participation will not be
capable of rescission or termination by it after oral confirmation by the Sole Bookrunner or the US Private
Placement Agent of the allocation and commitments.
Lock-up Arrangements
The Company has undertaken to the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent that, between
the date of the Placing Agreement and 180 days after Admission, it will not, without the prior written consent
from Zeus Capital (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) directly or indirectly, offer,
issue, lend, sell or contract to sell, issue options in respect of or otherwise dispose of, or announce an offer
or issue of any Shares of the Company (or any interest therein or in respect thereof) or any other securities
exchangeable or convertible into, or substantially similar to, shares of the Company, or enter into any
transaction with the same economic effect as, or agree to do, any of the foregoing. However, this undertaking
shall not prevent or restrict (i) the issue of the Fundraising Shares; (ii) an matters pursuant to the Pre-IPO
Reorganisation; (iii) the grant or exercise of options or other rights to subscribe for Shares (or any interest
therein or in respect thereof) pursuant to any share option or other incentive schemes of the Group in
existence at the date of the Placing Agreement and described in paragraph 6 of Part VI (Additional
Information) of this document, (iv) the issue by the Company of the Contingent Consideration Shares as
summarised in paragraph 11 of Part I (Information on the Group) of this document and (v) the issue by the
Company of any Shares upon the exercise of any right or option or the conversion of a security in existence
as at the date of the Placing Agreement.
By participating in the Placing, Placees agree that the exercise by Zeus Capital of any power to grant consent
to the undertaking by the Company of a transaction which would otherwise be subject to the lock-up
provisions under the Placing Agreement shall be within the absolute discretion of Zeus Capital and that it
need not make any reference to, or consult with, Placees and that it shall have no liability to Placees
whatsoever in connection with any such exercise of the power to grant consent.
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Shares acquired or held by Affiliates of the Company shall be held in certificated form and accordingly
settlement shall not be permitted via CREST until such time as the relevant restrictions are no longer
applicable. Affiliates of the Company at the time of the Placing, or investors that become Affiliates at any
time after the Placing, should seek independent US legal counsel prior to selling or transferring any common
shares.
Each Placee to be allocated Placing Shares in the Placing in reliance on Regulation S will have the number
of Placing Shares allocated to them at the Placing Price, the aggregate amount owed by such Placee to
Zeus Capital and settlement instructions confirmed to them by Zeus Capital. Each Placee acquiring Placing
Shares in reliance on Regulation S agrees that it will do all things necessary to ensure that delivery and
payment is completed in accordance with the standing CREST or certificated settlement instructions in
respect of the Placing Shares that it has in place with Zeus Capital.
The Company will deliver the Placing Shares sold in reliance on Regulation S to a CREST account operated
by Zeus Capital (or such nominee for Zeus Capital as may be notified by Zeus Capital), as agent for the
Company, and Zeus Capital will enter its delivery instruction into the CREST system against each Placee.
The input to CREST by a Placee of a matching or acceptance instruction will then allow delivery against
payment of the relevant Placing Shares to that Placee.
Each Placee acquiring Placing Shares in reliance on Regulation S should provide its settlement details in
order to enable instructions to be successfully matched in CREST. The relevant settlement details are as
follows:
CREST participant ID of Zeus Capital: 601
Trade date: 27 October 2021
Settlement date: 4 November 2021
ISIN code for the Shares: USU0858L1036
Deadline for instructions input into CREST: noon (London time) on 4 November 2021
It is expected that settlement in respect of the Placing Shares will take place on 4 November 2021 on a
delivery versus payment basis.
Interest is chargeable daily on payments not received from Placees on the due date in accordance with the
arrangements set out above at the rate of two percentage points above LIBOR as determined by the Sole
Bookrunner.
Each Placee is deemed to agree that, if it does not comply with these obligations, the Sole Bookrunner may
sell any or all of the Placing Shares allocated to that Placee on such Placee’s behalf and retain from the
proceeds, for their account and benefit, an amount equal to the aggregate amount owed by the Placee
plus any interest due. The relevant Placee will, however, remain liable for any shortfall below the aggregate
amount owed by it and will be required to bear any stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax or other taxes or
duties (together with any interest or penalties) imposed in any jurisdiction which may arise upon the sale of
such Placing Shares on such Placee’s behalf.
If Placing Shares are to be delivered to a custodian or settlement agent, Placees should ensure that any
trade confirmation is copied and delivered immediately to the relevant person within that organisation. Insofar
as Placing Shares are issued in a Placee’s name or that of its nominee or in the name of any person for
whom a Placee is contracting as agent or that of a nominee for such person, such Placing Shares should,
subject as provided below, be so registered free from any liability to UK stamp duty or stamp duty reserve
tax. If there are any circumstances in which any stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax or other similar taxes
or duties (including any interest and penalties relating thereto) is payable in respect of the allocation, issue,
sale, transfer or delivery of the Placing Shares (or, for the avoidance of doubt, if any stamp duty or stamp
duty reserve tax is payable in connection with any subsequent transfer of or agreement to transfer Placing
Shares), neither the Sole Bookrunner nor the Company shall be responsible for payment thereof.
Notwithstanding the above, the right is reserved to deliver all of the Placing Shares to which the
Placee is entitled in certificated form should the Sole Bookrunner consider this necessary or
desirable.
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Each subscriber for Placing Shares, by subscribing for such Placing Shares, agrees to reoffer or resell the
Shares only pursuant to registration under the US Securities Act or in accordance with the provisions of
Regulation S or pursuant to another available exemption from registration, and agrees not to engage in
hedging transactions with regard to such securities unless in compliance with the US Securities Act. The
above restrictions severely restrict subscribers of Placing Shares from reselling the Placing Shares in the
United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, any US Person. The Company currently intends that
these restrictions will remain in place indefinitely.
Once the Placing Shares are admitted to trading on AIM, the Placing Shares will trade in the Company’s
restricted line of Shares under the symbol DEVO, and the Placing Shares (represented by the Depository
Interests) subscribed for and held by non-Affiliates of the Company will be held in the CREST system and
identified with the marker “REG S”. The “REG S” marker indicates that the Shares held in the CREST system
will bear the legend set out in Part VII of this document (US Restrictions on the Transfer of Shares), which
describes certain transfer restrictions and other information, including that: (a) the Shares may not be taken
up, offered, sold, resold, delivered or distributed, directly or indirectly, within, into or from the United States
or to, or for the account or benefit of, US Persons except (i) in an offshore transaction meeting the
requirements of Regulation S, (ii) pursuant to an available exemption from registration under the US Securities
Act or (iii) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the US Securities Act; and (b) hedging
transactions involving the Shares may not be conducted unless in compliance with the US Securities Act.
The certifications, acknowledgements and agreements set out in Part VII of this document (US Restrictions
on the Transfer of Shares) must be made through the CREST system by those selling or acquiring the Shares
with the “REG S” marker. If such certifications, acknowledgements and agreements cannot be made or are
not made, settlement through CREST will be rejected. Furthermore, Placing Shares held by US Persons
and Affiliates of the Company shall be held in certificated form and accordingly settlement shall not be
permitted via CREST until such time as the relevant restrictions are no longer applicable. Affiliates of the
Company at the time of the Placing, or investors that become Affiliates at any time after the Placing, should
seek advice of independent US legal counsel prior to selling or transferring any Shares.
Certificated Settlement
If you are not a CREST member, or if you are electing for, or required to receive, delivery of your Placing
Shares outside of the CREST system, delivery of your Placing Shares will take place in certificated form.
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General
1. it has read and understood this document, including these Terms and Conditions, in its entirety and
its acquisition and/or subscription for Placing Shares is subject to and based upon all the terms,
conditions, representations, warranties, acknowledgements, agreements and undertakings and other
information contained herein and it has not relied on, and will not rely on, any information given or any
representations, warranties or statements made at any time by any person in connection with the
Placing, the Company, the Placing Shares or otherwise other than the information contained in this
document;
2. its acceptance, whether by telephone or otherwise, of its participation in the Placing on the terms set
out in this document and these Terms and Conditions is legally binding, irrevocable and is not capable
of termination or rescission by it in any circumstances;
3. the person whom it specifies for registration as holder of the Placing Shares will be (a) itself or (b) its
nominee, as the case may be. Neither the Sole Bookrunner, nor the US Private Placement Agent, nor
the Company will be responsible for any liability to stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax or other similar
taxes or duties imposed in any jurisdiction (including interest and penalties relating thereto)
(“Indemnified Taxes”). Each Placee and any person acting on behalf of such Placee agrees to
indemnify the Company, and the Sole Bookrunner, nor the US Private Placement Agent, on an after-tax
basis in respect of any Indemnified Taxes;
4. neither the Sole Bookrunner, nor the US Private Placement Agent, nor any of their Affiliates, agents,
directors, officers and employees accepts any responsibility for any acts or omissions of the Company
or any of the directors of the Company or any other person (other than the Sole Bookrunner or the US
Private Placement Agent, respectively) in connection with the Placing;
5. time is of the essence as regards its obligations under these Terms and Conditions;
6. any document that is to be sent to it in connection with the Placing will be sent at its risk and may be
sent to it at any address provided by it to the Sole Bookrunner;
7. it agrees to be bound by the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company (as amended
from time to time) once the Placing Shares which it has agreed to subscribe for or purchase pursuant
to the Placing have been acquired by it;
8. it agrees that these Terms and Conditions shall survive after completion of the Placing and Admission;
No prospectus
10. no prospectus or other offering document is required under the UK Prospectus Regulation or the EU
Prospectus Regulation, nor will one be prepared in connection with the Placing or the Placing Shares
and it has not received and will not receive a prospectus or other offering document in connection
with the Placing or the Placing Shares;
Purchases by the Sole Bookrunner or the US Private Placement Agent for their own accounts
11. in connection with the Placing, each of the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent and
any of their Affiliates acting as an investor for its own account may subscribe for Placing Shares and
in that capacity may retain, purchase or sell for its own account such Placing Shares and any securities
of the Company or related investments and may offer or sell such securities or other investments
otherwise than in connection with the Placing. Accordingly, references in this document to the Placing
Shares being issued, sold, offered or placed should be read as including any issue, sale, offering or
placement of such shares in the Company to the Sole Bookrunner or the US Private Placement Agent
or any of their Affiliates acting in such capacity;
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12. each of the Sole Bookrunner, the US Private Placement Agent and their Affiliates may enter into
financing arrangements and swaps with investors in connection with which each of the Sole
Bookrunner, the US Private Placement Agent and their Affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold
or dispose of such securities of the Company, including the Placing Shares;
13. the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent do not intend to disclose the extent of any
investment or transactions referred to in paragraphs 11 and 12 above otherwise than in accordance
with any legal or regulatory obligation to do so;
No fiduciary duty or client of the Sole Bookrunner or the US Private Placement Agent
14. none of the Sole Bookrunner, the US Private Placement Agent, the Company, the Directors or the
Selling Shareholders owe any fiduciary or other duties to any Placee in respect of any representations,
warranties, undertakings or indemnities in the Placing Agreement;
15. its participation in the Placing is on the basis that it is not and will not be a client of either the Sole
Bookrunner or the US Private Placement Agent in connection with its participation in the Placing and
that the Sole Bookrunner and the US Private Placement Agent do not have any duties or responsibilities
to it for providing the protections afforded to their clients or customers or for providing advice in relation
to the Placing nor in respect of any representations, warranties, undertakings or indemnities contained
in the Placing Agreement nor for the exercise or performance of any of its rights and obligations
thereunder including any rights to waive or vary any conditions or exercise any termination right;
No responsibility of the Sole Bookrunner or the US Private Placement Agent for information
16. the contents of this document have been prepared by and is exclusively the responsibility of the
Company and neither the Sole Bookrunner, nor the US Private Placement Agent, nor their Affiliates,
agents, directors, officers or employees nor any person acting on behalf of any of them is responsible
for or has or shall have any responsibility or liability for any information, representation or statement
contained in, or omission from, this document or otherwise nor will they be liable for any Placee’s
decision to participate in the Placing based on any information, representation, warranty or statement
contained in this document or otherwise, provided that nothing in this paragraph excludes the liability
of any person for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation made by such person;
provided that nothing in this paragraph 17 excludes the liability of any person for fraud or fraudulent
misrepresentation made by that person;
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21. it is acting as principal only in respect of the Placing or, if it is acting for any other person, it is:
(a) duly authorised to do so and has full power to make the acknowledgments, representations,
indemnities, undertakings, warranties and agreements herein on behalf of each such person; and
(b) will remain liable to the Company and/or the Sole Bookrunner and/or the US Private Placement
Agent for the performance of all its obligations as a Placee in respect of the Placing (whether or
not it is acting for another person);
22. it and any person acting on its behalf is entitled to subscribe for or purchase the Placing Shares under
the laws and regulations of all relevant jurisdictions that apply to it and that it has fully observed such
laws and regulations, has capacity and authority and is entitled to enter into and perform its obligations
as a subscriber or purchaser of Placing Shares and will honour such obligations, and has obtained all
such governmental and other guarantees, permits, authorisations, approvals and consents which may
be required thereunder and complied with all necessary formalities to enable it to commit to this
participation in the Placing and to perform its obligations in relation thereto (including, without limitation,
in the case of any person on whose behalf it is acting, all necessary consents and authorities to agree
to the terms set out or referred to in these Terms and Conditions) and will honour such obligations and
that it has not taken any action or omitted to take any action which will or may result in the Sole
Bookrunner, the Company or any of their respective directors, officers, agents, employees or advisers
acting in breach of the legal or regulatory requirements of any jurisdiction in connection with the Placing;
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23. where it is subscribing for or purchasing Placing Shares for one or more managed accounts, it is
authorised in writing by each managed account to subscribe for or purchase the Placing Shares for
each managed account;
24. it irrevocably appoints any duly authorised officer of either of the Sole Bookrunner as its agent for the
purpose of executing and delivering to the Company and/or its registrars any documents on its behalf
necessary to enable it to be registered as the holder of any of the Placing Shares for which it agrees
to subscribe for or purchase upon the terms of these Terms and Conditions;
Excluded territories
25. the Placing Shares have not been and will not be registered or otherwise qualified and a prospectus
will not be cleared in respect of any of the Placing Shares under the securities laws or legislation of the
United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan or the Republic of South Africa, or any state,
province, territory or jurisdiction thereof;
26. the Placing Shares may not be offered, sold, or delivered or transferred, directly or indirectly, in or into
the above jurisdictions (subject to certain exceptions) or any jurisdiction in which it would be unlawful
to do so and no action has been or will be taken by any of the Company, the Sole Bookrunner or any
person acting on behalf of the Company or the Sole Bookrunner that would, or is intended to, permit
a public offer of the Placing Shares in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan or
the Republic of South Africa or any other country or jurisdiction, or any state, province, territory or
jurisdiction thereof, where any such action for that purpose is required;
27. unless otherwise specifically agreed with the Sole Bookrunner, it is not and at the time the Placing
Shares are subscribed for, neither it nor the beneficial owner of the Placing Shares will be, a resident
of, nor have an address in, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Republic of South Africa or any province
or territory of Canada;
28. it has not distributed, forwarded, transferred or otherwise transmitted and will not distribute, forward,
transfer or otherwise transmit this document or any part of it, or any other presentational or other
materials concerning the Placing (including electronic copies thereof) in or into or from the United
States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan or the Republic of South Africa;
31. it, and the prospective beneficial owner of the Placing Shares, are:
(a) (i) outside the United States, (ii) not US Persons and are not acquiring the Placing Shares for the
account or benefit of a US Person, and (iii) acquiring the Placing Shares in an “offshore transaction”
as defined in, and in accordance with, Regulation S, and the Placing Shares have not been offered
to them by means of any “directed selling efforts” (as defined in Regulation S); or
(b) (i) in the United States, (ii) a QIB, (iii) aware that the sale of the Placing Shares to it is being made
in reliance on Rule 144A or in reliance on another exemption from, or in a transaction not subject
to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act, and the Placing Shares have not been
offered to them by means of any “general solicitation” or “general advertising” (within the meaning
of Regulation D promulgated under the US Securities Act);
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32. the Placing Shares are “restricted securities” under Rule 144 under the US Securities Act, it agrees that
it will not offer, sell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Placing Shares, directly or indirectly, within, into or
from the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US Persons except (i) in an “offshore
transaction” (as defined in Regulation S) meeting the requirements of Regulation S, (ii) pursuant to an
available exemption from registration under the US Securities Act and in accordance with applicable
state securities laws, or (iii) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the US Securities Act.
The Company is under no obligation, and does not intend, to register or qualify the Placing Shares under
the US Securities Act or applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States;
33. the Placing Shares to be sold in reliance on Regulation S are subject to the restrictions of Category 3
of Regulation S set forth in Rule 903(b)(3) of Regulation S, and may not be sold to, or for the account
or benefit of, any US Person until at least the expiry of one year after the later of (a) the time when the
Placing Shares are first offered to persons other than distributors in reliance upon Regulation S and (b)
the date of the closing of the Placing, or such longer period as may be required under applicable law
or as determined by the Company (the “Distribution Compliance Period”);
34. the Placing Shares will bear the legends set forth in Part VII of this document (US Restrictions on the
Transfer of Shares) (as applicable);
35. it will not engage in any hedging transactions, directly or indirectly, with regard to the Placing Shares
unless in compliance with the US Securities Act;
36. the Company may refuse to register any transfer of the Shares not made in accordance with the
provisions of Regulation S, pursuant to an effective registration under the US Securities Act, or pursuant
to an available exemption from registration;
37. it is not registered and is not required to be registered as a broker or a dealer under the United States
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and it has not been granted, nor shall it accept, any
selling concession, discount or other allowance from a participant in the Placing that is a member of
the United States Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and are acquiring the Placing Shares for
investment purposes and not with a view to the offer, sale, resale, transfer, delivery or distribution,
directly or indirectly, of any such Placing Shares into the United States;
38. if it is permitted and wishes to take delivery of the Placing Shares in a CREST account, it must make,
and hereby makes, the certifications, acknowledgments and agreements, as summarised in Part VII
of this document (US Restrictions on the Transfer of Shares), through the CREST system; if such
certifications, acknowledgments and agreements cannot be made or are not made, delivery through
CREST will be rejected;
39. any offer or sale of the Placing Shares held through CREST must be made to persons who are not US
Person, or acting for the account or benefit of US Persons, in “offshore transactions” (as defined in
Regulation S) meeting the requirements of Regulation S and in accordance with the transfer restrictions
set forth in Part VII of this document (US Restrictions on the Transfer of Shares); during the Distribution
Compliance Period, prior to any proposed transfer of the Placing Shares, other than pursuant to an
effective registration statement, the certifications, acknowledgments and agreements, as summarised
in Part VII of this document (US Restrictions on the Transfer of Shares), must be made through the
CREST system by those selling or acquiring the Placing Shares; if such certifications, acknowledgments
and agreements cannot be made or are not made, settlement through CREST will be rejected;
40. if it is acquiring Placing Shares being sold in reliance on Regulation S, it has complied and will comply
with the offering restrictions requirement set out under Rule 903(b)(3) of Regulation S;
41. it is not an Affiliate of the Company nor does it expect to become an Affiliate of the Company as a
result of its participation in the Placing; and
42. it will not distribute, forward, transfer or otherwise transmit this document or any part of it, or any other
presentational or other materials concerning the Placing (including electronic copies thereof) in or into
or from the United States to any person, and it has not distributed, forwarded, transferred or otherwise
transmitted any such materials to any person;
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44. it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any Placing Shares to persons in the EEA except to EU
Qualified Investors or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted in and which will not result in
an offer to the public in any member state of the EEA within the meaning of the EU Prospectus Regulation;
45. if a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the EU Prospectus Regulation, the
Placing Shares subscribed for by it in the Placing will not be acquired on a non-discretionary basis on
behalf of, nor will they be acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in a member state of
the EEA other than EU Qualified Investors, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of Zeus
Capital has been given to each proposed offer or resale;
Compliance with FSMA, the UK Prospectus Regulation, the UK financial promotion regime and
UK MAR
46. if in the United Kingdom, that it is both: (i) a UK Qualified Investor; and (ii) a person (a) having
professional experience in matters relating to investments who falls within the definition of “investment
professionals” in Article 19(5) (Investment Professionals) of the Order, or (b) who falls within Article 49(2)
(a) to (d) (“High Net Worth Companies, Unincorporated Associations, etc”) of the Order, or (c) to whom
it may otherwise lawfully be communicated;
47. it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any Placing Shares to persons in the United Kingdom,
except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing
of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their business or otherwise in circumstances
which have not resulted and which will not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within
the meaning of section 85(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (“FSMA”);
48. if a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the UK Prospectus Regulation, the
Placing Shares subscribed for by it in the Placing will not be acquired on a non-discretionary basis on
behalf of, nor will they be acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in the United Kingdom
other than UK Qualified Investors, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of Zeus Capital has
been given to each proposed offer or resale;
49. it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be
communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of
section 21 of FSMA) relating to the Placing Shares in circumstances in which section 21(1) of FSMA
does not require approval of the communication by an authorised person and it acknowledges and
agrees that this document have not and will not have been approved by the Sole Bookrunner in their
capacity as authorised persons under section 21 of the FSMA and it may not therefore be subject to
the controls which would apply if it was made or approved as a financial promotion by an authorised
person;
50. it has complied and will comply with all applicable laws with respect to anything done by it or on its
behalf in relation to the Placing Shares (including all applicable provisions in FSMA and the Market
Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation No. 596/2014 which forms part of domestic law pursuant to the
European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) (“UK MAR”) in respect of anything done in, from or otherwise
involving, the United Kingdom);
52. it is not a (i) a person named on the Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets maintained by
HM Treasury of the United Kingdom; or (ii) a person subject to financial sanctions imposed pursuant
to a regulation of the European Union or a regulation adopted by the United Nations;
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53. it has complied with its obligations under the Criminal Justice Act 1993 and in connection with money
laundering and terrorist financing under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (as amended), the Terrorism
Act 2000, the Terrorism Act 2006, the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 and the Money
Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (as
amended) and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced
by any government agency having jurisdiction in respect thereof (the “Regulations”) and the Money
Laundering Sourcebook of the FCA and, if making payment on behalf of a third party, that satisfactory
evidence has been obtained and recorded by it to verify the identity of the third party as required by
the Regulations;
54. in order to ensure compliance with the Regulations, the Sole Bookrunner (for itself and as agent on
behalf of the Company) or the Company’s registrars may, in their absolute discretion, require verification
of its identity. Pending the provision to the Sole Bookrunner or the Company’s registrars, as applicable,
of evidence of identity, definitive certificates in respect of the Placing Shares may be retained at the
Sole Bookrunner’s absolute discretion or, where appropriate, delivery of the Placing Shares to it in
uncertificated form may be delayed at the Sole Bookrunner’s or the Company’s registrars’, as the case
may be, absolute discretion. If within a reasonable time after a request for verification of identity, either
of the Sole Bookrunner (for itself and as agents on behalf of the Company) or the Company’s registrars
have not received evidence satisfactory to them, either the Sole Bookrunner and/or the Company may,
at its absolute discretion, terminate its commitment in respect of the Placing, in which event the monies
payable on acceptance of issue will, if already paid, be returned without interest to the account of the
drawee’s bank from which they were originally debited;
Allocation
58. its allocation (if any) of Placing Shares will represent a maximum number of Placing Shares which it will
be entitled, and required, to subscribe for or purchase, and that the Sole Bookrunner or the Company
may call upon it to subscribe for or purchase a lower number of Placing Shares (if any), but in no event
in aggregate more than the aforementioned maximum;
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No recommendation
59. neither it nor, as the case may be, its clients expect the Sole Bookrunner, nor any of its Affiliates, nor
any person acting on behalf of them, to have any duties or responsibilities to it similar or comparable
to the duties of “best execution” and “suitability” imposed by the Conduct of Business Sourcebook
contained in the FCA’s Handbook of Rules and Guidance, and that the Sole Bookrunner is not asking
for it or its clients, and that the Sole Bookrunner will not be responsible to any person other than the
Company for providing protections afforded to its clients;
Inside information
60. if it has received any ‘inside information’ (for the purposes of UK MAR and section 56 of the Criminal
Justice Act 1993) in relation to the Company and its securities in advance of the Placing, it confirms
that it has received such information within the market soundings regime provided for in article 11 of
UK MAR and associated delegated regulations and it has not:
(a) used that inside information to acquire or dispose of securities of the Company or financial
instruments related thereto or cancel or amend an order concerning the Company’s securities or
any such financial instruments;
(b) used that inside information to encourage, require, recommend or induce another person to deal
in the securities of the Company or financial instruments related thereto or to cancel or amend
an order concerning the Company’s securities or such financial instruments; or
(c) disclosed such information to any person, prior to the information being made publicly available;
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Indemnity
By participating in the Placing, each Placee (and any person acting on such Placee’s behalf) agrees to
indemnify on an after tax basis and hold the Company, the Sole Bookrunner, the US Private Placement
Agent and their respective Affiliates, agents, directors, officers and employees harmless from any and all
costs, claims, liabilities and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising out of or in connection with
any breach of the representations, warranties, acknowledgements, agreements and undertakings given by
the Placee (and any person acting on such Placee’s behalf) in these Terms and Conditions or incurred by
the Sole Bookrunner, the US Private Placement Agent, the Company or each of their respective Affiliates,
agents, directors, officers or employees arising from the performance of the Placees’ obligations as set out
in these Terms and Conditions, and further agrees that the provisions of these Terms and Conditions shall
survive after completion of the Placing.
Information to Distributors
UK Product Governance Requirements
Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements of Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Product
Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the “UK Product Governance Requirements”) and
disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any “manufacturer” (for
the purposes of the UK Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the
Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Shares are:
(i) compatible with an end target market of (a) retail investors, (b) investors who meet the criteria of
professional clients and (c) eligible counterparties, each as defined in UK Product Governance Requirements;
and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by UK Product Governance
Requirements (the “UK Target Market Assessment”). Notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment,
distributors should note that: the price of the Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their
investment; the Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the
Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who
(either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the
merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that
may result therefrom.
The UK Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or
regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Placing.
Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment, Zeus Capital, as Sole
Bookrunner, shall only procure investors in the United Kingdom which meet the criteria of professional clients
and eligible counterparties.
For the avoidance of doubt, the UK Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of
suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of Chapter 9A or 10A respectively of the FCA Handbook
Conduct of Business Sourcebook; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest
in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to, the Shares.
Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Shares
and determining appropriate distribution channels.
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no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Shares is compatible only with
investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction
with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an
investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom.
The EU Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or
regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Placing.
Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the EU Target Market Assessment, Zeus Capital, as Sole
Bookrunner, shall only procure investors in the European Union which meet the criteria of professional clients
and eligible counterparties.
For the avoidance of doubt, the EU Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of
suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group
of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Shares.
Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Shares
and determining appropriate distribution channels.
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Perivan 262095
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3267 Bee Caves Road, #107 (Box 63) Austin, Texas 78746, United States