Opening up opportunities to expand its services to a wider global audience, bwin Interactive Entertainment AG has acquired a majority share in Dutch-based UnitedGames, one of Europe’s leading publisher and developer of massive multiplayer online games (MMOG).
The unique partnership enables bwin to open up new lines of business to deliver the next level of online entertainment to customers around the world. The acquisition also provides both parties with synergies on infrastructure, payment systems, internet communications and portal management.
“United Games brings a lot of interesting technology and know-how to the relationship and we look forward to taking online gaming to the next stage of evolution,” said Manfred Bodner, Co-CEO of bwin.
Founded in 2007, UnitedGames publishes and develops high quality massive multiplayer online games for a wide range of players and provides full localisation, including marketing, translations and community support. One of the fastest-growing MMO gaming companies, UnitedGames has 17 million players in over 178 countries and has published over 20 MMOG titles.
Marijn Harinck, CEO of UnitedGames said: “bwin and UnitedGames are extraordinary partners and this combination will have a huge impact on the online gaming market. We are excited about bwin expanding into the MMOG market, together we feel we can really take the online game experience to the next level.”
Earlier this week bwin finalised the acquisition of Italy’s Gioco Digitale S.p.A in a deal worth just over €115 million, positioning itself as one of the leading online poker providers in Italy (more).
Shares in bwin Interactive Entertainment AG (Co. Profile) (BWIN.VI) are currently trading at €27.81 in Vienna this morning.