The PA has agreed a deal to acquire RAS Technology Holdings, the Australia-based owner of Racing and Sports, as part of an effort to expand its global racing and sports data offering.
According to The PA, the binding implementation agreement will proceed via an Australian court-approved scheme of arrangement. The PA will acquire 100% of the issued shares in RAS, though financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Under the agreement, Racing and Sports will be combined with The PA’s existing sports data arm, Podium. This, The PA said, will give its customers access to a wider range of racing and sports data.
The acquisition will also see The PA expand into Australia’s betting and wagering market. The PA said Podium’s sports API and RAS’s complementary capabilities, via its trading services and Wagering 360 platform, will deliver a “complete solution” for media, bookmakers and rightsholders in the country.
Founded in 1999, Racing and Sports has relationships with wagering operators and racing bodies across Australia and Asia. In addition to racing and sports data, it provides analytics, wagering technology and digital media.
Podium already supplies racing and sports data, content and products to bookmakers and broadcasters in other markets. The PA’s wider business portfolio also includes The Press Association, the national news agency for the UK and Ireland.
Acquisition set to complete in February 2027
The RAS board has unanimously recommended shareholders vote in favour of the proposal. In addition, the company’s founders, Gary Crispe and Robert Vilkaitis, who together hold or control approximately 34% of the issued shares in RAS, have said they also intend to support the acquisition.
Subject to shareholder approval and other customary conditions, including clearance from the Federal Court in Australia, the acquisition is expected to close in February 2027.
Until completion, Podium and Racing and Sports will continue to operate as separate businesses.
“The PA and RAS share a commitment to trust and integrity,” said Emily Shelley, CEO of The PA (pictured). “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.”
RAS CEO Stephen Crispe added: “This is an important step for RAS, our customers, people and 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.”
Dingnews.com 20/10/2026