Tencent made an undisclosed investment in Versus Programming Network (VSPN), China’s largest esports tournament operator and production company. According to a report by Sohu Sports, the two "signed a strategic partnership to further lay the groundwork for China’s esports ecosystem." Following this strategic financing round, VSPN "plans to further develop its integrated services, including competitions, productions, and brokering deals with on-screen talent" (THE ESPORTS OBSERVER, 5/7).
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Cristiano Ronaldo is set to launch a chain of restaurants in Brazil. "Dona Dolores" -- the chain named after his mother -- will serve Portuguese cuisine. Ronaldo entered into a partnership with the Gramado Parks resorts network and chocolate brand Lugano for his new commercial venture. The first of the restaurants will be built in the town of Gramado in Rio Grande do Sul, and is scheduled to be inaugurated during the World Cup in June (INSIDE SPORT, 5/5).
Bookmaker William Hill "chalked up rising sales" after the group was boosted by an "unprecedented run" of favorable results. The betting firm saw group net revenues rise 3% for the 17 weeks to April 24, underpinned by "very strong" horse racing and football results at the beginning of this year. Online sales climbed 12% over the period, helping to offset a 4% drop in high street takings as the firm grappled with 15% of U.K. and Irish horse racing fixtures being abandoned (London TELEGRAPH, 5/8).
