Embracer Group, the Swedish gaming conglomerate behind franchises like Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raideron, on Monday announced plans to split into three separate, publicly traded entities. The gaming giant said it will divide its operations into three companies namely: Asmodee Group, Coffee Stain & Friends, and Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends.
“This transformation is an important step in unlocking shareholder value. With this new structure, the three entities will be able to focus on executing their core strategies and leveraging their own strengths, providing more differentiated and distinct equity stories to both existing and new shareholders,” said Kicki Wallje-Lund, Chair of the Board of Embracer Group.
Notably, the split, set to take place on Nasdaq Stockholm, comes after a period of restructuring for Embracer. The company faced financial challenges and undertook measures like studio closures and layoffs. Following the decision, Embracer Group said that its shareholders will receive shares in Asmodee and Coffee Stain & Friends as dividends, while Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends will remain within the current Embracer Group, which will be renamed.
Talking about the three entities:
- Asmodee Group will focus on tabletop games, publishing and distributing popular titles like Ticket to Ride, Catan, and Exploding Kittens. Asmodee will also develop licensed tabletop games based on major IPs like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.
- Coffee Stain & Friends will handle indie, mid-market, and free-to-play games across PC, console, and mobile platforms. It will include studios and franchises like Deep Rock Galactic, Valheim, Goat Simulator, and Wreckfest.
- Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends will focus on AAA game development and publishing for PC and console. It will retain ownership of The Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider IPs and encompass studios like Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, and Warhorse Studios.
“This is the start of a new chapter, a chapter that I intend to remain part of as an active, committed, and supportive shareholder of all three new entities, with an evergreen horizon. This move towards three independent companies reinforces Embracer’s vision of backing entrepreneurs and creators with a long-term mindset, allowing them to continue to deliver unforgettable experiences for gamers and fans across the globe”, said Lars Wingefors, co-founder and Group CEO of Embracer Group.
