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Transaction will see the racing and sports data and technology business complement The PA’s existing sports data arm, Podium
The Press Association (PA) is buying Australia’s RAS Technology Holdings, enabling them to draw on their respective expertise in global racing and sports data, technology and wagering services, and their shared track record of delivering timely, accurate and trusted data.
The acquisition will also see an expansion of The PA’s business into the extensive Australian betting and wagering market.
The PA’s racing heritage spans more than forty years, with a long-standing history of working closely with rightsholders to promote horse racing. Today, through Podium, it supplies racing and sports data, content and products to bookmakers, broadcasters and the wider industry.
RAS, founded in 1999 and listed on the ASX since 2021, brings established relationships with wagering operators and racing bodies across Australia and Asia, alongside capabilities in analytics, wagering technology and digital media.
Both businesses’ commitment to data integrity will remain central as they build on their respective strengths. Podium’s sports API and RAS’s complementary capabilities through its trading services and Wagering 360 platform, will deliver a complete solution for media, bookmakers and rightsholders.
Customers will have access to a broader range of products, wider international coverage and faster development of services tailored to their needs. Continued investment in technology will support expansion into new markets and the long-term development of racing and the wider sports industry.
Completion of the transaction is expected in February 2027, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions set out in the SID, including the approval of the Federal Court in Australia. The RAS board has unanimously recommended that shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme and founders Gary Crispe and Robert Vilkaitis, who together hold or control approximately 34 per cent of the issued shares in RAS, have each publicly stated that they intend to vote all RAS shares held or controlled by them in favour of the Scheme, subject in all cases, to customary qualifications.
Emily Shelley, CEO, The PA, said: “The PA and Racing and Sports share a commitment to trust and integrity. The businesses’ complementary strengths and global reach will offer customers more of what they value: a wider range of data, deep wagering knowledge and coverage across more markets. Combined with The PA’s trusted heritage and Podium’s technology, this will enable us to develop new products faster and support the long-term growth of racing and the wider sports industry.”
Until completion, Podium and Racing and Sport will continue to operate as separate businesses.
Stephen Crispe, CEO, Racing and Sports, said: “This is an important step for Racing and Sports, our customers, our people, and our legacy. The PA deeply shares our commitment to integrity, quality, and the importance of accurate, trusted live data that is needed to power the global racing industry. Together, we will offer our customers a broader range of existing and new products, more expansive data options, innovative technology and reliable services, all while retaining the expertise, relationships and industry knowledge that both businesses have been built upon.”
Josh Sparke, MD – Podium, said: “What excites me most is how naturally the two businesses complement each other. By bringing together our respective strengths in data, technology, products and international markets, we have an opportunity to create a stronger global proposition for racing and sport. We share a commitment to delivering accurate, timely and trusted services, and together we will have greater expertise, capability and reach to support our customers, accelerate product innovation and open up new opportunities across international markets.”
