Deal completion aided by Stibbe's counsel in board game distribution firm acquisition
In the exciting world of board games, it's all about making moves and expanding your empire! That's exactly what Hachette Boardgames, a powerhouse in the industry, did when they snatched up 999 Games in May 2025. Stibbe, a top-notch law firm based in Benelux, helped guide Hachette Livre, a subsidiary of publishing giant Lagardère SA, through the acquisition process.
Team Stibbe, including partner Duco de Boer, senior associate Jeroen Tjaden, and junior associate Isabelle Besselink, took on the challenge of helping Hachette Livre acquire 999 Games, a family-owned distributor established back in 1990. Based outside Amsterdam, 999 Games boasts a massive annual distribution of around 2.5 million board games across the Netherlands and Belgium.
The acquisition marks a significant strategic move for Hachette Boardgames as it aims to strengthen its European presence. Hachette already has a strong footing in France, the UK, and Benelux through its branches like Hachette Boardgames UK, Hachette Boardgames Benelux, Gigamic, and Blackrock Games. With 999 Games on board, Hachette will be able to ventures into new markets and discover fresh talent to take its board games empire to new heights.
Isabelle Jeuge-Maynart, CEO of Hachette Boardgames, expressed her delight about the acquisition: "We are proud to welcome 999 Games to our family. This strategic addition will allow us to boost our international growth and expand our distribution footprint. 999 Games' recognized expertise will help us offer fun experiences to a wider audience while reinforcing our leadership in the board game scene."
Key shareholder of 999 Games, Marileen Strengers, was also keen on passing the baton to Hachette Livre: "We are confident in leaving 999 Games in the capable hands of Hachette Livre. Sharing strong values and a common strategic vision, we are thrilled to see our beloved 999 Games continue its journey within the Hachette group while maintaining its original identity."
The acquisition isn't just about grabbing market share; it's about seizing opportunities. Hachette will leverage 999 Games' local expertise to create targeted marketing and distribution strategies. Moreover, the deal will give Hachette access to 999 Games' high-capacity distribution center, which opened in April 2024, to support a swifter and more scalable logistics network across Europe.
With Asmodee, a formidable competitor, already making moves in the region, the acquisition could further heat up the competitive landscape in game distribution and retail partnerships. But, with the combined might of Hachette Boardgames and 999 Games, there's no doubt we're in for an exhilarating rollercoaster ride in the world of board games!
- Hachette Livre, through the acquisition of 999 Games, seeks to enable stronger distribution and business expansion in Europe.
- The addition of 999 Games to Hachette Boardgames' family enables ventures into new markets and a wider distribution footprint.
- The strategic finance behind the acquisition of 999 Games by Hachette Livre will help fuel true growth and expansion in the board game industry.
