Successful completion of board game distributor acquisition under the expert advice of Stibbe
May 1, 2025
Hachette Livre Expands European Board Game Dominance Through 999 Games Acquisition
Swinging open the doors to a bigger European playground, Hachette Livre has secured board game distributor 999 Games as its newest acquisition. The Amsterdam-based powerhouse behind mainstream publishing segments like general fiction, nonfiction, textbooks, and travel books, Hachette Livre finds itself gaining a foothold in the board game scene, courtesy of Hachette Boardgames.
Guided by Benelux law firm Stibbe, Hachette Livre finalized the deal with family-owned 999 Games. From the ranks of Stibbe stepped partner Duco de Boer, senior associate Jeroen Tjaden, and junior associate Isabelle Besselink, who tirelessly navigated the intricacies of the acquisition.
Born in 1990 and run by Michael Bruinsma as a family-owned biz, 999 Games headquartered outside Amsterdam, dishes out about 2.5 million board games per year across the Netherlands and Belgium. The distributor operates through over 1,000 physical retail locations, and just last April opened a state-of-the-art, high-capacity distribution center to support its ongoing expansion.
Following the acquisition, Hachette Boardgames aims to solidify its presence beyond its current French, UK, and Benelux locations. It looks to break into new territories, thanks to 999 Games' expertise, as it introduces fresh markets for its produce and nurtures emerging talent.
"We're stoked to snap up 999 Games, the title king of Dutch board game distributors," said Hachette Boardgames CEO, Isabelle Jeuge-Maynart. "This deal allows us to expand our playground, boost our distribution reach, and create more magical board game experiences for wider audiences. We're thrilled to join forces with 999 Games and keep ruling the board game world!"
Key shareholder Marileen Strengers of 999 Games chimed in, "With great confidence, we're handing off 999 Games to the capable hands of Hachette Livre. Sharing the same values and vision, we're excited about the future. It's heartwarming to see our beloved 999 Games branching out and growing, all the while staying true to its roots established by our founder, the legendary Michael Bruinsma."
Looking ahead, the acquisition solidifies Hachette's stance as a serious player in the European board game market, bolstering its distribution capabilities and expanding its global influence.
- The acquisition of 999 Games by Hachette Livre is expected to enable Hachette Boardgames to solidify its presence beyond its current territories, as it aims to break into new markets, thanks to 999 Games' expertise in distribution.
- Financially, the takeover of 999 Games, a family-owned board game distributor, is a significant move for Hachette Livre, as it expands its global influence and boosts its distribution reach.
- In the manufacturing industry, the acquisition of 999 Games by Hachette Livre signifies a strategic move to capitalize on the high-capacity distribution center 999 Games recently opened, ensuring smooth distribution of Hachette Boardgames' products.
- The acquisition of 999 Games by Hachette Livre is a testament to the publisher's commitment to the board game industry, as it continues to cater to widespan audiences, staying true to its mission of creating magical board game experiences.
