07 May UK organisation Resolve announces Barrage Esports acquisition
UK-based esports organisation Resolve Esports has announced the acquisition of fellow UK organisation Barrage Esports.
As a result of the acquisition, and subsequent merger, Resolve will take over all of Barrage’s esports and business operations. This includes the organisation’s Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC) spot, which is League of Legends’ esports competition for the UK and Nordics.
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Alongside an undisclosed fee, Resolve has reportedly paid an additional amount to compensate the current Barrage staff members who will not be joining the organisation. Resolve has confirmed however that ‘several’ Barrage staff will be integrated into its operations.
Resolve’s Founder, Ilias ‘Rai’ Pajoheshfar, commented: “It has always been our intention to compete at the highest level and the journey so far has been a brilliant one. When Barrage kindly presented us with this opportunity, we felt an obligation to ensure the UK continues to be represented and after careful consideration, we felt the timing was right.
“We would like to thank Barrage for their hard work and service to UK esports, and will honour their legacy.”
Jeff Simpkins, Barrage Esports’ former owner, will step down from his role as Managing Director and will instead take an advisory role for Resolve.
Both organisations have also announced that following the acquisition 50 limited edition Resolve/Barrage esports jerseys will be created, with all profits going to charity SpecialEffect.
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Simpkins added: “I reached out to Ilias and Resolve as I felt it was time to make a decision about Barrage’s and my own future in esports. I specifically reached out to Ilias as he is someone I have known for a couple of years now, who I have had a good rapport with and trust, as well as being wise beyond his years.
“To all those who have supported Barrage, have been part of our journey and specifically supported or helped guide myself over the years, thank you so much. It has been an absolute honour.”
Resolve’s participation in the NLC means that its original League of Legends team, which was competing in the UK League of Legends’ second-division (UKEL), will become an academy team. Moreover, Barrage Academy’s UKLC spot will be given away to another organisation. According to the UK organisation, no plans regarding Barrage’s amateur North American team have been made.
Resolve will also be giving up its place in the UKEL (the UK’s third division).
Esports Insider says: Barrage has been a stronghold for UK esports since its foundation in 2014, partially within League of Legends’ regional system. And so, whilst it’s sad to see the organisation go, Resolve looks to be an emerging organisation in the region and this move is evidence of its commitment to developing UK esports.
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