Baker McKenzie advised global video game publisher and developer on transaction worth EUR 121 million

Swedish video game publisher and developer THQ Nordic acquired 100 percent of the shares in Austrian Koch Media GmbH. Koch Media is a leading, independent producer and marketer of digital entertainment products. The Tyrol-based company operates studios in Germany, Great Britain and the United States, as well as offices in many European countries.

The takeover by THQ Nordic was realized by means of an SPV. The acquisition also includes the games publisher Deep Silver, including intellectual property rights in games such as Saints Row, Dead Island, and exclusive license for Metro.

The company value amounts to EUR 121 million, and the purchase price was paid partly in cash, partly in newly issued B shares in THQ Nordic AB. The closing took place on February 14.

THQ Nordic acquires, develops and publishes PC and console games, offering a wide range of 295 games. THQ Nordic pursues a clear growth strategy, priding itself on a long and successful history of acquiring rights in games and development studios. THQ Nordic AB's shares are publicly listed on Nasdaq First North Stockholm.

An international team of Baker McKenzie advised THQ Nordic on the transaction: The team of the law firm's Vienna office, led by Wendelin Ettmayer, was responsible for the due diligence and contract negotiations, while the Stockholm team, led by Joakim Falkner and Anna Orlander, primarily advised on the capital markets law aspects of the transaction. Moreover, Baker McKenzie offices in six additional jurisdictions were involved as well.

"The transaction emphasizes Baker McKenzie's expertise in complex international transactions in the area of TMT," says Wendelin Ettmayer.

Legal advisor THQ Nordic AB: Baker & McKenzie

Lead: Vienna: Wendelin Ettmayer (Partner, Corporate/M&A), Stefan Arnold (Senior Associate, Vienna)
Stockholm: Joakim Falkner (Partner, Capital Markets), Anna Orlander (Partner, Corporate/M&A)
Other attorneys involved: Corporate/M&A: Roman Jatzko (Associate, Vienna), Ian Gulam (Associate, Stockholm), Armin Assadi (Junior Associate, Vienna), Kathrin Freudelsperger (Junior Associate, Vienna)
Labor law: Elisabeth Wasinger (Senior Associate, Vienna)
Antitrust/Commercial: Marc Lager (Partner, Vienna)
IP: Martina Grama (Senior Associate, Vienna), Lukas Feiler (Senior Associate, Vienna)