Ascend Sport Technology AG and EvoNext Holdings SA have announced the signing of a merger agreement to form a combined sports technology entity that will remain listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Startup Ticker reported.
The Bottom Line
- The Deal: Ascend and EvoNext signed a merger agreement following an initial transaction announcement on October 12, 2026, combining operations into a single listed Swiss platform.
- The Offering: EvoNext will conduct a share placement of up to CHF 220 million, including a 10% greenshoe of secondary shares, targeting a free float of approximately 40% at an expected price of CHF 2.50.
- The Timeline: Shareholders from both companies will vote on the statutory merger at extraordinary general meetings scheduled for December 3, 2026.
Merger Structure and the CHF 220 Million Share Offering
Under the terms of the statutory merger, Ascend’s business will merge against the issuance of new EvoNext shares. Following this step, EvoNext plans to execute a share placement totaling up to CHF 220 million. This capital raise includes a 10% greenshoe of secondary shares designed to establish a diversified institutional shareholder base and secure a free float of roughly 40%.
The offering price is expected to land at CHF 2.50. While the placement consists predominantly of secondary shares to enhance market liquidity, it will also feature a primary issuance. Management intends to channel these primary proceeds directly into Ascend’s continued growth, strategic initiatives, and general corporate purposes.
Financial Performance and Client Portfolio
Headquartered in Lucerne, Ascend operates a premium platform providing AI-enabled monetization tools across the sports technology value chain. The company counts over 100 rightsholders among its clients, including major governance bodies like FIFA and UEFA, alongside more than 500 brands and broadcasters spanning over 20 countries.
| Financial Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Full Year 25/26 Net Revenues | ca. CHF 44 million |
| Full Year 25/26 EBITDA | ca. CHF 25 million |
| EBITDA Margin | 57% |
| Active Top Leagues Worldwide | 12+ (including top five European leagues) |
| Top 30 European Clubs Served | 19 |
| Total Matches Supported | 10,000+ |
The company’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. For the 26/27 fiscal year, Ascend anticipates net revenue growth of approximately 10%. This lower trajectory reflects the beginning of a new football cycle with fewer international competitions, contrasted against a medium-term target to expand net revenues by 100% over a four-year window.
Capital Allocation and Corporate Governance Deadlines
Management maintains a stable tax rate outlook and currently foresees no dividend payouts. Instead, generated cash will directly support organic growth, selective rights acquisition, and disciplined mergers and acquisitions aimed at capturing wider market share and geographic expansion.
Before the merger becomes effective, shareholders from both firms must clear the agreement. EvoNext Holdings SA will publish the formal invitation to its Extraordinary General Meeting no later than November 12, 2026, in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce and on its corporate website. The EGM will convene in Zurich on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CET, with the EvoNext Board of Directors unanimously recommending approval. Ascend’s own extraordinary general meeting will take place on the exact same date to vote on the transaction.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
