NODWIN Gaming, a prominent player in the global esports industry and a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd., announced today, on June 28, 2024, the acquisition of Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH, a full-service gaming and esports agency based in Berlin.
Under the terms of the agreement, NODWIN Gaming’s Singapore subsidiary, NODWIN Gaming International Pte. Ltd., will increase its current stake in Freaks 4U Gaming from 13.51% to a controlling 100% through a phased share swap valued at up to INR 271 crore (Euro 30.3 million).
Initially, NODWIN Pte will raise its existing stake in Freaks 4U Gaming to 57%, with an option to later swap the remaining 43% held by founders Michael Haenisch, Matthias Remmert, and Jens Enders.
Existing investors of Freaks 4U Gaming (CoInvestor FRE and Game.Fin S.R.L) will become shareholders of NODWIN Pte
Freaks 4U Gaming offers a multitude of agency services and generated INR 223 crores (EUR 26.9 million unaudited) in revenue in 2023.
This acquisition aims to significantly enhance NODWIN Gaming’s capabilities by integrating the expertise, experience, and network of the Freaks 4U Gaming team. It is expected to contribute substantially to NODWIN’s revenues going forward.
Since acquiring a minority stake in January 2024, NODWIN Gaming has collaborated closely with Freaks 4U Gaming’s management to explore synergies and execute high-profile projects such as the PUBG Mobile Global Open and Esports World Cup (EWC).
The successful integration of operations and shared vision between the two entities has paved the way for this transformative acquisition.
This move is set to bolster NODWIN Gaming’s access to developed markets and enhance its capabilities in PC gaming and publishing support services.
The integration of Freaks 4U Gaming’s capabilities and presence in key developed markets will serve as substantial revenue drivers.
This strategic alignment will complement NODWIN Gaming’s strong execution capabilities in emerging markets, enabling the establishment of a global delivery model – a pioneering achievement in the esports sector.
Commenting on the acquisition, Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder of NODWIN Gaming, expressed confidence in the strategic alignment: “This acquisition is a pivotal step in our global growth strategy. By integrating Freaks 4U Gaming’s expertise and resources, we are poised to deliver unparalleled services and expand our global footprint in the gaming and esports industries. In Michael, we have a person who is highly regarded across the world for his wealth of experience and expertise in the sectors. We also welcome all existing shareholders of Freaks 4U Gaming as NODWIN Gaming’s shareholders.”
Michael Haenisch, CEO of Freaks 4U Gaming, echoed Rathee’s sentiments, highlighting the potential for synergy and innovation: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with NODWIN Gaming to create a robust network and synergies unprecedented in our industry. Akshat is an incredible visionary and leader, our partnership has been quite the ride so far and we know the best has yet to come. With our shared vision and ambition, we look forward to driving our global expansion while spearheading innovation and growth for gaming and esports.”
About Freaks 4U Gaming
Freaks 4U Gaming is a global full-service agency specialising in esports and gaming.
Headquartered in Berlin with regional offices across Europe, Asia, and North America, the company offers unparalleled industry insights and a multitude of client-centric solutions since 2011.
From strategic consultancy to online and offline activations, Freaks 4U Gaming also delivers state-of-the-art broadcast productions as one of the most prominent esports content creators worldwide.
Deeply rooted at the heart of the community, Freaks 4U Gaming has built some of the most successful communities through its proprietary platforms and licensed esports leagues. For more information visit www.freaks4u.com.
About NODWIN Gaming
NODWIN Gaming, a material and independent subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, holds a significant position in the global gaming and esports industry as a leader in emerging markets.
NODWIN Gaming is valued at $349 million as of 2023. Since its inception in 2014 by Akshat Rathee and Gautam Virk, NODWIN has established a global presence in regions such as South Asia, Singapore, the Middle East, and Turkey.
The company’s business centers around building and monetising gaming and esports IPs such as Leagues, Tournaments, Reality shows. It engages with professional esports athletes, teams and content creators.
Notable investors include Nazara, KRAFTON Inc, Sony Group Corporation and JetSynthesys. A key focus for NODWIN Gaming is the expertise in the mobile gaming and esports sector, where it has established a dominant position worldwide.
By catering to the youth demographic, NODWIN is expanding its Total Addressable Market (TAM) by becoming increasingly relevant in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape around the core tenet of Timeshare of Mindshare.
Their diverse range of intellectual properties that engages the youth spans esports, gaming, pop culture, music, and comedy.
This strategic expansion and cultivation of new intellectual properties are crucial to NODWIN’s aim of maintaining a significant role in the global youth and gaming arenas
