Bango PLC (AIM:BGO, OTCQX:BGOPF) chief marketing officer Anil Malhotra talked with Proactive about a new agreement with Continente, Portugal's largest high street retailer. This partnership leverages Bango's digital vending machine technology to offer Disney+ subscriptions to Continente Club members at a discounted rate. Malhotra described the promotion as a compelling Christmas offer, allowing members to access Disney+ for €1.99 for three months, with a 30% cashback incentive on their membership cards.
The partnership underscores the growing versatility of Bango’s bundling technology, extending its reach beyond telecommunications into banking and retail. Malhotra highlighted that this deal aligns with consumer trends, revealing survey results showing 58% of British consumers value subscription gifting as a year-long benefit.
Proactive: Anil, you’ve announced an agreement with Continente, Portugal’s largest high street retailer. Can you tell us more about the agreement?
Anil Malhotra: Yes, Stephen, good to see you again. Let me first of all say a little bit more about who Continente is. As you say, it is the largest retailer in Portugal. Think perhaps of the Tesco (LON:TSCO) of Portugal. They have 350 stores across the country. This agreement is with them, using Bango Technology to bundle and distribute the Disney+ streaming service for their customers as a Christmas promotion.
Proactive: What does the offer include?
Anil Malhotra: If you are a Continente customer and you join their club, again a bit like joining Tesco Clubcard, then you can sign up to Disney+ and get that discounted. The offer is €1.99 for three months if you sign up before August 31. After that, the price goes to €5.99. Additionally, as a benefit of being a Continente cardholder, you get a 30% cash rebate back on your card that you can spend on anything you want. That card is accepted not only at Continente’s own stores but at 2,000 other locations across Portugal. It’s a great offer in the run-up to Christmas for customers in Portugal.
Proactive: This shows the diversity of your digital vending machine, doesn’t it?
Anil Malhotra: That’s right. On one hand, you’ve got famous global brands like Disney (NYSE:DIS), and on the other, companies looking to bundle services like Disney+ subscriptions. Traditionally, Bango focused on the telco market, but as of our September half-year update, we’ve added banking customers. Now, with this retail partnership in mainland Europe, it shows the broad appeal of bundling subscription services.
Proactive: Will you look at extending this to other retailers?
Anil Malhotra: We believe there’s considerable scope to extend these services to other retailers. We recently surveyed 3,000 British consumers, and 58% liked the idea of gifting subscriptions, finding it a lasting gift. A third also said they find wrapping presents too much hassle, so subscriptions are a great substitute.
Proactive: What’s next for Bango in 2025?
Anil Malhotra: More of the same but on a bigger scale. We’ve had notable wins this year with clients licensing our digital vending machine for subscription bundling. Disney+ was a highlight for 2024. In 2025, we anticipate strong organic growth from existing wins and new deployments across telco, banking, and retail.
Proactive: Thank you very much for your time, Anil.