Nodwin Gaming to build an esports "alliance" through 100% acquisition of Freaks 4U Gaming

• Nodwin Gaming International will acquire a 100% stake in Freaks 4U Gaming
• The company claimed its initial minority stake via a convertible loan agreement of €3.6 million and a €4.4 million contribution

Nodwin Gaming International has entered "definitive agreements" to acquire a 100% stakes in esports and video games marketing communications agency Freaks 4U Gaming.

This increase from a current 13.51% stake will be made in tranches through a share swap with a value of up to €30.3 million.

As a subsidiary of Singapore-based Nodwin Gaming Private Limited, Nodwin Gaming International’s acquisition of the German Freaks 4U Gaming aims to build a global alliance in video games and esports, adding emerging markets to its core business.

Upping the stakes

Nodwin Gaming International claimed its current minority stake in Freaks 4U Gaming via a convertible loan agreement of €3.6 million and a €4.4 million contribution. The loan was agreed last December and the contribution followed this January.

Now, six months later, Nodwin initially intends to increase its stake from 13.51% to 57%, while the remainder of stakes will for the time being continue to be held by Freaks 4U Gaming CEO Michael Haenisch, SVP of product, TV and media productions Matthias Remmert, and co-founder Jens Enders.

Their 43% will be "swapped at a later time" to give Nodwin all 100% of stakes, meanwhile existing investors in Freaks 4U Gaming such as FRE and Game.Fin SRL will become Nodwin Gaming International shareholders.

"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," said Nodwin Gaming co-founder Akshat Rathee.

"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."

Into integration

Freaks 4U Gaming will retain its brand identity and Haenisch will continue to run the company as its CEO. The companies have in fact been working closely on integration since the initial minority stake and have already collaborated on projects like the PUBG Mobile Global Open.

Haenisch commented: "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."

Last month, the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee proposed the creation of Olympic Esports Games.