Webook.com has acquired the Portuguese company SmartMove, specialized in partner management, ticketing systems, access control, fan engagement, e-commerce and digital event operations. The acquisition marks a major milestone in Webook.com’s international expansion strategy, establishing its first operational base in Europe and positioning the platform, designed to serve the world’s most demanding events, to expand its technology, partnerships, and event operations across the continent.
With more than 30 years in the market, SmartMove is one of the most established sports technology companies in Portugal. A market leader in its segment, the company provides the technology infrastructure that underpins the ticketing platforms and partner programs of the leading Portuguese clubs, as well as the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Liga Portugal, national cup competitions and corporate ticketing platforms.
At the heart of this activity is the management of the clubs’ member programs, known in Portugal as «Sócios», which represent an essential source of revenue and, often, are a prerequisite for fans to purchase tickets to matches. Therefore, SmartMove’s platform holds a structural position in the commercial operations of Portuguese football.
«The acquisition of SmartMove gives us something that cannot be built overnight: a consolidated presence and operational excellence at the heart of the European market», said Nadeem Bakhsh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of webook.com. «Together, we are prepared to reinvent the live events booking experience for fans and organizers».
SmartMove’s capabilities complement Webook.com’s current strengths and offer true fans an easy and enjoyable ticket-buying experience. Together, the two platforms create a comprehensive offering for the Super App for Fun of webook.com, aimed at sports clubs, venues, events, festivals, restaurants, experience operators, flights, hotels and much more across Europe. The acquisition provides Webook.com with an experienced European team accustomed to operating under the highest standards and ready to grow in a continent that hosts one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated live entertainment ecosystems. The operation has already led to new deals with clubs and major event organizers.
António Precatado, SmartMove’s chief executive officer, commented: «We have consolidated our position by becoming an essential component for the operation of Portuguese football and other sports, from membership enrollment to ticket sales and day-of-game access. With the backing of the platform, the investment and the international network of webook.com, we can now bring this model to clubs and venues across Europe».
After reaching more than 17 million users in more than 180 countries and processing more than 40 million ticketing transactions, webook.com is accelerating its European presence in professional football, motorsports, live entertainment and fan experiences.
