Gaming market report sell-side investment banks Top M&A Advisors in the Gaming Industry
Gaming market report sell-side investment banks The gaming industry has experienced significant growth and consolidation in recent years, with major mergers and acquisitions reshaping the landscape. Here’s a look at the top M&A advisors in the sector based on closed deals and disclosed deal values during the period from January 2020 to April 2021.
#1 Aream & Co.
Aream & Co. stands out as the leading sell-side M&A advisor in the global gaming industry. The firm closed 12 gaming deals with a disclosed deal value exceeding $6 billion during the 16-month period.
Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, Aream & Co. was founded by Affan Butt and Kartik Prabhakara. The firm’s client list includes some of the biggest names in gaming, such as King, Playtika, Peak Games, GoodGame Studios, Storm8, Jagex, Small Giant Games, and Easybrain.
A key highlight is the firm’s role in advising Game Labs on its sale to Stillfront, showcasing Aream & Co.’s expertise in executing high-profile transactions.
#2 Agnitio Capital
Coming in second is Agnitio Capital, an investment bank with four closed deals and a total transaction value exceeding $500 million during the same period.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in London, Agnitio Capital is led by Shum Singh. The firm has advised on notable deals for clients such as DECA, Candywriter, A Thinking Ape, and Innova, cementing its reputation as a key player in gaming M&A.
#3 LionTree
LionTree, a boutique investment banking firm, secures the third spot. Founded in 2012 by Aryeh Bourkoff and headquartered in New York, USA, LionTree specializes in serving clients in the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors.
LionTree is particularly recognized for its expertise in gaming SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) transactions. The firm has advised on notable deals including Skillz, PLAYSTUDIOS, and Kismet Acquisition One Corp.’s merger with Nexters Global.
Additionally, LionTree played a role in the sale of Daybreak, acting as a financial advisor to Jason Epstein, the Executive Chairman and majority shareholder of Daybreak.
#4 Goldman Sachs
Taking the fourth position is Goldman Sachs, a prominent name among Wall Street banks and a leader in gaming M&A.
While several advisors closed two gaming transactions during the reviewed period, Goldman Sachs stands out for its involvement in two of the largest deals:
- $2.1 billion sale of Glu Mobile, where it acted as a non-exclusive financial advisor.
- $7.5 billion sale of ZeniMax Media, where it served as the exclusive advisor.
These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs’ ability to handle large-scale deals and its strong presence in the gaming sector.
Conclusion
Gaming market report sell-side investment banks The gaming industry’s M&A market is thriving, with investment banks playing a pivotal role in shaping its future. Whether it’s boutique firms like Aream & Co. and LionTree or global giants like Goldman Sachs, these advisors are enabling major consolidations and fueling the industry’s growth. As the gaming sector continues to expand, their expertise will remain invaluable for navigating complex transactions.
