Tag: Freaks 4U Gaming

  • Nodwin expands esports empire with StarLadder acquisition

    Nodwin expands esports empire with StarLadder acquisition

    MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming just made a game-changing move, hitting the jackpot with its latest acquisition—StarLadder, a in global esports company. This deal isn’t just a power-up; it’s a full-on respawn for AAA esports events worldwide blending StarLadder’s expertise in hosting AAA events with Nodwin’s ambitious vision of redefining live entertainment for the youth.

    StarLadder will retain its brand identity. founder Roman Romantsov will continue to lead operations while also becoming a shareholder in Nodwin Gaming.
    The deal is valued at an initial consideration of $ 5.5 million (rs 46.75 crores), with a second instalment contingent on meeting earn-out targets. With this strategic acquisition, Nodwin Gaming is not just playing the game—it’s changing it.

    The deal comes as Nodwin Gaming aggressively expands its global footprint. Having already acquired Comic Con India, influencer and MCN firm Trinity Gaming, gaming marketing agency Freaks 4U Gaming, esports agency Ninja Global, and Singapore-based live events company Branded, this latest move reinforces Nodwin’s commitment to strengthening its position in international markets.

    With StarLadder now in its portfolio, Nodwin aims to amplify its high-profile event offerings, bridging the gap between emerging and established markets while unlocking new synergies between the companies. With Nodwin’s extensive industry network, StarLadder will be able to expand into new territories, form new alliances, and elevate its global standing.

    Nodwin Gaming, co-founder, Akshat Rathee expressed his excitement: “StarLadder and Roman are the masterminds behind some of the most legendary esports events ever seen. Roman’s expertise in stage design, creative broadcasting, and production is second to none. I’ve been an admirer of his work for years, and now I get to build alongside him. With this partnership, we aim to create unparalleled esports experiences, bringing more CS:GO tournaments and other thrilling events to new and emerging markets. It’s a privilege to welcome such an iconic brand and visionary leader into the Nodwin Gaming family.”

    Fans, meanwhile, can expect bigger, bolder, and more electrifying esports events, with innovative tournament formats and unforgettable live experiences on the horizon.

    While StarLadder will continue to operate under its well-established identity, joining forces with Nodwin Gaming will unlock fresh resources, creative avenues, and expanded distribution channels, ensuring that both companies thrive in the fast-paced esports industry.

    Starladder, founder, Roman Romantsov shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We live in an era of globalisation, where combining strengths, resources, and expertise is the key to success. We are thrilled to have found partners who share our vision and ambition. With Nodwin Gaming, we’re ready to take esports to the next level, bringing unforgettable events to fans across multiple games and regions. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!”

    The StarLadder team, helmed by Romantsov, boasts a 20-year legacy in tournament production, having delivered some of the industry’s most prestigious competitions. Their portfolio includes Cs:Go and Dota 2 Majors, the Pubg Europe League, and the long-running StarSeries, which has featured 18 seasons of Cs 1.6 and Cs:Go and 17 seasons of Dota 2. Additionally, they’ve collaborated on white-label projects for major publishers such as Valve, Tencent, Krafton, Blizzard, Riot Games, Supercell, and Moonton.

  • NODWIN Gaming to acquire full ownership of Freaks 4U Gaming in Rs 271 crore share swap

    NODWIN Gaming to acquire full ownership of Freaks 4U Gaming in Rs 271 crore share swap

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming Pvt Ltd (A material subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd, BSE:NAZARA) announced that its Singapore based subsidiary, NODWIN Gaming International Pte Ltd, (NODWIN Pte) has signed definitive agreements to increase its existing 13.51 per cent stake in Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH, a Berlin-based Global full-service gaming and esports agency to 100 per cent in tranches through a share swap valued at upto Rs 271 crore (Euro 30.3 million)

    NODWIN Pte will initially increase its existing stake in Freaks 4U Gaming to 57 per cent and the remaining 43 per cent held by the founders Michael Haenisch, Matthias Remmert and Jens Enders will be swapped at a later time at its option. Existing investors of Freaks 4U Gaming (co-investor FRE and Game.Fin S.R.L) will become shareholders of NODWIN Pte.

    Freaks 4U Gaming offers a multitude of agency services and best-in-case solutions to brands and publishers and generated Rs 223 crores (Eur 26.9 mn unaudited) in 2023.This acquisition will significantly enhance NODWIN Gaming’s capabilities, bringing in the expertise, experience and network of the Freaks 4U Gaming team and is expected to contribute materially to NODWINs revenues going forward.

    Since the acquisition of a minority stake in Freaks 4U Gaming in January 2024, NODWIN has been working with the Freaks 4U Gaming management on integration of the two businesses and evaluating the synergies they present. The two teams have already worked on jointly delivering high-profile projects such as the PUBG Mobile Global Open and Esports World Cup (EWC) and have jointly explored new business vertical opportunities. Based on the outcomes of this exercise and early traction on potential synergies, NODWIN Gaming and Freaks 4U Gaming have decided to proceed with this transaction.

    This move is set to bolster NODWIN Gaming’s access to developed markets, in addition to execution and planning capabilities in PC gaming and publishing support services. The integration of Freaks 4U Gaming’s capabilities, along with its 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.

    NODWIN Gaming co-founder Akshat Rathee stated, “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.”

    Freaks 4U Gaming CEO Michael Haenisch, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “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.”