Back in March, Embracer announced that it was divesting several of its Saber Interactive assets as it withdraws from Russia. In a press release on Friday, September 13, 2024, Embracer confirmed it received early payments for the Saber assets and concluded the financial aspects of the transaction.
Lars Wingefors, co-founder and CEO of Embracer Group
A total of 8 Saber Interactive assets were divested in the deal including Nimble Giant, 3D Realms, Sandbox Strategies, New World Interactive, Slipgate Ironworks, Mad Head Games, Fractured Byte, and Digic.
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Ownership of the above-mentioned studios will now be transferred to Beacon Interactive, a group of private investors headed by Matthew Karch, Saber Interactive’s co-founder. At that time, Beacon Interactive was also given an option to acquire 4A Games and Zen Studios.
In the latest update, Embracer said “the option for the buyer to acquire 4A Games and Zen Studios” was canceled. The Swedish group said the divestment has helped to improve the company’s cash flow and reduce capital expenditures.
“We are satisfied with the conclusion of this transaction and very glad to see the great teams and assets of 4A Games and Zen Studios remain within Embracer,” said Embracer CEO and co-founder Lars Wingefors. “They will be important building blocks in our continued journey.”
Wingefors disclosed that 4A Games currently has two unannounced titles under development. According to him, the company is eager to announce the games.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Matthew Karch for his contributions over the years, and at the same time congratulate the Saber team on the successful release of the iconic Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, that will make a great start in their new structure.”
Embracer appoints Thomas Kœgler as CEO of Asmodee
Thomas Kœgler, CEO of Asmodee
A month after the announcement that Embracer will divest Saber Interactive assets, the company also took a transformative step that broke the company into three different units namely Asmodee Group, Coffee Stain & Friends, and Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends.
According to the April announcement, Asmodee will focus on board games, trading cards, and digital board games with 23 fully owned studios and 300+ IPs. It will be the home for Embracer’s tabletop games.
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Thomas Kœgler was appointed CEO of Asmodee on September 2, 2024. Kœgler joined Asmodee in 2015 and held various strategic and operational roles in the company. Most recently, he served as deputy COO of the company.
“Thomas’ appointment as CEO of Asmodee and as a member of Embracer’s Executive Management Team is a recognition of his successful journey within the industry and Asmodee,” said Wingefors.
“He is a unique leader who brings together Asmodee’s legacy, as a long-time member of the company’s Executive Committee, with a fresh generational imprint on its future direction. I am confident that Thomas will be the right leader to guide the company through its next phase with a strong focus on profitable growth.”
Are you excited that 4A Games and Zen Studios will remain part of Embracer? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
