posted by HolyMaster,
NODWIN Pte will initially increase its existing stake in Freaks 4U Gaming to 57%, the remaining 43% will be held by CEO of Freaks 4U Gaming Michael Haenisch, Senior Vice President Product, TV & Media Productions Matthias Remmert, and co-founder 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.
NODWIN Pte had previously acquired a minority stake in Freaks 4U Gaming through a convertible loan agreement of EUR 3.6 million initiated in December 2023, followed by a contribution of EUR 4.4 million in January 2024. Both teams have since been working closely on integration of their businesses and evaluating the synergies they present. Additionally, Freaks 4U Gaming and NODWIN Gaming have collaborated on jointly delivering high-profile projects, such as the PUBG Mobile Global Open and Esports World Cup, while exploring new business vertical opportunities. Based on the outcome of the evaluation and early traction of the collaborative efforts, Freaks 4U Gaming and NODWIN Gaming have decided to proceed with this transaction.
Since its inception in 2002, Freaks 4U Gaming has evolved into a full-service agency specializing in strategic consultancy, online and offline activations and broadcast productions, establishing itself as the go-to agency partner in Europe and other developed markets. NODWIN Gaming, established in 2014, has seen phenomenal growth and assumed the undisputed leadership position in emerging markets and the mobile gaming sector. The integration of expertise and resources of Freaks 4U Gaming and NODWIN Gaming creates a uniquely competitive and unprecedented global delivery model, creating value for brands and publishers by bringing together the “best of both worlds” from respective developed and emerging market leaders.
Michael Haenisch, CEO of Freaks 4U Gaming, stated: “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.”
Co-Founder of NODWIN Gaming, 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 will retain its brand identity and operational independence, with Michael Haenisch continuing to lead out the company as the CEO working closely with Akshat Rathee.
Haenisch added, “Freaks has been the gateway to gaming and esports for over 20 years, moving forward we are excited to also become the gateway to emerging markets for brands and publishers, offering strategic guidance and scalable solutions we have been known for as a trusted agency partner in developed markets.”