FaZe Clan Expected to List on NASDAQ following Business Combination with B. Riley Principal 150 Merger Corp.
FaZe Clan Inc. (“FaZe Clan” or the “Company”) today announced it has entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) to combine with B. Riley Principal 150 Merger Corp. (NASDAQ: BRPM) (“BRPM”), a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of B. Riley Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: RILY) (“B. Riley Financial”). The proposed business combination transaction (the “Business Combination”) implies an equity value of approximately $1 billion for the combined company inclusive of nearly $275 million of cash (assuming no redemptions). Through the proposed business combination, FaZe Clan is positioned to become one of the only digitally native, youth-focused lifestyle and media platforms publicly traded on a U.S. national exchange.
Upon completion of the proposed Business Combination, BRPM will change its name to “FaZe Holdings Inc.” The combined company’s common stock is expected to be listed on NASDAQ under the new ticker symbol “FAZE.”
Estimated gross transaction proceeds total $291 million, including $173 million in cash from BRPM’s IPO proceeds held in trust (assuming no redemptions), and $118 million from committed PIPE investments. Net proceeds from the transaction, which will include cash in trust net of any redemptions and PIPE proceeds net of transaction-related costs, will be used to fund organic and inorganic growth as the Company expands its digitally native global multi-platform presence across content, gaming, entertainment, consumer products and the metaverse.
Voice of Youth Culture
FaZe Clan is at the forefront of the global creator economy — an industry centered around innovative digital content development fueled by social media influencers, creators and businesses who monetize their content online. With a leading digital content platform created for and by Gen Z and millennials, FaZe Clan has established a highly engaged, loyal global fan base of over 350 million across its combined social platforms that rivals established major sports leagues and generates more social media interactions than the next top eight esports organizations combined.
FaZe Clan reimagines traditional entertainment for the next generation, leading youth culture with transformative content, tier-one brand partnerships, a collective of notable talent, and fashion and consumer products. The Company boasts a diverse and robust talent network and has ten competitive esports teams that have won 30 championships worldwide.
The Company produces premium content, merchandise, and consumer products and creates advertising and sponsorship programs for leading national brands. With approximately 80% of its audience between the ages of 13-34, FaZe Clan has unlocked key relationships with a coveted demographic that has long proven difficult to reach for traditional media companies and advertisers.
Management Commentary
Lee Trink, Chief Executive Officer of FaZe Clan, said “We are thrilled to announce this important milestone of FaZe Clan’s plans to enter the public market. In our short history, we have evolved from a disruptive content generator to one of the world’s most decorated and successful esports franchises, and now into one of the younger generations’ most recognized and followed brands globally. We believe FaZe Clan is becoming the voice of youth culture, a brand that sits at the nexus of content, gaming, entertainment and lifestyle in the digital-native world. This transaction will provide us capital and access to the public markets, which will help us accelerate the expansion of our multi-platform and monetization strategy. We are so grateful to the millions of loyal fans who have helped us take FaZe Clan to the next level, without whom this would not have been possible. Lastly, we look forward to working with Dan and Bryant, and the B. Riley team and appreciate their support and confidence.”
Dan Shribman, Chief Investment Officer of B. Riley Financial, and CEO and CFO of BRPM, said “The business combination with FaZe Clan represents a tremendous opportunity to invest in the future of media and entertainment. With unmatched social media reach and Gen Z engagement, and the opportunity to meaningfully expand its global multi-platform presence across content, gaming, entertainment, consumer products and the metaverse, we believe FaZe Clan is a compelling investment with the potential to create significant value. We are excited to partner with Lee, Amit and the incredible talent that make up the FaZe Clan team. Lee has surrounded himself with a creative and energetic team and we look forward to working with them on this journey.”
Transaction Overview
With funding from the proposed Business Combination, FaZe Clan plans to further diversify its revenue streams with user monetization, expansion of its global footprint, and investment in new growth opportunities across the creator economy and emerging technologies in addition to a robust acquisition strategy that will only strengthen the Company’s flywheel.
The proposed Business Combination has been approved by the boards of directors of both FaZe Clan and BRPM and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022, subject to regulatory and stockholder approvals.
Upon closing, the combined company will be led by FaZe Clan’s CEO, Lee Trink, who will also become Chairman of the Board; Amit Bajaj, Chief Financial Officer; Kai Henry, Chief Strategy Officer; and Tammy Brandt, Chief Legal Officer.
Advisors
B. Riley Securities, Inc. is acting as capital markets advisor to BRPM and as sole placement agent on the PIPE. Citi is acting as lead financial advisor to FaZe Clan. M. Klein and Company and Evolution Media Capital are also serving as financial advisors to FaZe Clan.
White & Case is acting as legal advisor to BRPM. Skadden, Arps, State, Meagher & Flom LLP is acting as legal advisor to FaZe Clan. McDermott Will & Emery acted as legal advisor to the PIPE placement agent.
Investor Webcast Information
Management of FaZe Clan and BRPM will host an investor webcast on October 25, 2021 at 9:00 am EST, regarding the proposed Business Combination. The webcast will be accompanied by a detailed investor presentation. For interested investors who wish to participate, the webcast and replay will be available at investor.fazeclan.com or via this webcast link.
Alternatively, investors can participate via a domestic toll–free access number, 1-800-860-2442 and the international toll–free access number (412) 858-4600. Once connected with the operator, request access to the B. Riley Principal 150 Merger Corp. and Faze Clan Business Combination Call.
An investor presentation with more detailed information regarding the proposed transaction will be furnished by BRPM with the SEC under cover of a Current Report on Form 8-K, which can be viewed at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
