CHICAGO, Sept. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vivid Seats Inc. (NASDAQ:SEAT) ("Vivid Seats"), a leading marketplace that utilizes its technology platform to connect millions of buyers with thousands of ticket sellers across hundreds of thousands of events each year, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of WD Holdings Co., Ltd. ("Wavedash") in an all-cash transaction. Wavedash is an online secondary ticket marketplace in Japan with a market-leading position and accretive Adjusted EBITDA margins.

"Today marks the beginning of a thrilling international journey for Vivid Seats," said Stan Chia, Vivid Seats CEO. "International markets collectively represent a compelling growth opportunity as concerts grow in popularity worldwide and as international secondary ticketing continues to develop. We are excited to leverage learnings from Wavedash as we contemplate additional opportunities to drive profitable growth in the long-term."

The effect of approximately four months of contribution from Wavedash was contemplated in Vivid Seats' financial guidance provided on August 8. Wavedash will be included within the Marketplace segment.

About Vivid Seats

Founded in 2001, Vivid Seats is a leading online ticket marketplace committed to becoming the ultimate partner for connecting fans to the live events, artists and teams they love. Based on the belief that everyone should "Experience It Live," the Chicago-based company provides exceptional value by providing one of the widest selections of events and tickets in North America and an industry leading Vivid Seats Rewards program where all fans can earn on every purchase. Vivid Seats has been chosen as the official ticketing partner by some of the biggest brands in the entertainment industry including ESPN, Rolling Stone and the Los Angeles Clippers. Vivid Seats also owns Vivid Picks, a daily fantasy sports app. Through its proprietary software and unique technology, Vivid Seats drives the consumer and business ecosystem for live event ticketing and enables the power of shared experiences to unite people. Vivid Seats has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Companies for Customer Service in ticketing. Fans who want to have the best live experiences can start by downloading the Vivid Seats mobile app, going to vividseats.com, or calling 866-848-8499.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, without limitation, the anticipated benefits of the transaction and the operation of the companies following the transaction. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "target," "goal," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," "will," "likely," "may," "designed," "would," "future," "can" and "could," as well as similar expressions which predict or indicate future events and trends or which do not relate to historical matters, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are outside of Vivid Seats' control. Important factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those detailed in Vivid Seats' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Vivid Seats undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Investors

Kate Africk

Kate.Africk@vividseats.com

Media

Julia Young

Julia.Young@vividseats.com

Vivid Seats Completes Acquisition of Wavedash