The gaming and esports division of Nazara Technologies, NODWIN Gaming announced that its Singapore-based subsidiary, NODWIN Gaming International Pte. Ltd, (NODWIN Pte) has inked formal arrangements to enhance its current 13.51% stake in Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH, a Berlin-based global full-service gaming and esports agency, to 100% in tranches via a share swap worth up to INR 271 crore (Euro 30.3 million).
NODWIN Pte will first expand its current interest in Freaks 4U Gaming to 57%, with the remaining 43% possessed by founders Michael Haenisch, Matthias Remmert, and Jens Enders to be exchanged at a later date at its discretion. Existing investors in Freaks 4U Gaming shall become shareholders in NODWIN Pte.
Freaks 4U Gaming provides a wide range of agency services and best-in-class solutions to brands and publishers, generating INR 223 crores (Eur 26.9 million unaudited) in 2023. This purchase will greatly strengthen NODWIN Gaming’s capabilities by bringing in the skills, experience, and network of the Freaks 4U Gaming team, and it is projected to add materially to NODWIN’s future revenues.
Since acquiring a minority share in Freaks 4U Gaming in January 2024, NODWIN has been collaborating with Freaks 4U Gaming management to integrate the two businesses and assess the synergies they bring. The two teams have previously collaborated on prominent initiatives such as the PUBG Mobile Global Open and the Esports World Cup (EWC), as well as exploring new business sector potential. Based on the results of this exercise and early indications of possible synergies, NODWIN Gaming and Freaks 4U Gaming have chosen to move forward with the deal.
This move is expected to strengthen NODWIN Gaming’s access to established markets and its execution and planning skills in PC gaming and publishing services. The merger of Freaks 4U Gaming’s strengths, along with its position in important developed regions will generate significant income. This strategic alignment will strengthen NODWIN Gaming’s execution skills in growing areas, allowing the company to build a worldwide delivery model, a first in the esports industry.
Co-Founder of NODWIN Gaming, Akshat Rathee, commented, “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.”
CEO of Freaks 4U Gaming, Michael Haenisch, said, “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.”