Embracer Group acquires, develops and publishes PC and console games for the global gaming market. Its core business model consists of acquiring established gaming brands and gradually improving them. Much of Embracer Group’s soul stems from entrepreneur, founder and CEO Lars Wingefors, who at the age of 16 founded Nordic Games, which we today associate with Embracer Group. The game changer came in 2013 when most of today’s brand portfolio was acquired from THQ Inc’s insolvency. At the start of 2018, the company acquired Koch Media, which focuses on game development and gives Embracer Group a larger publishing business.
A large part of the IP portfolio is still not generating any income, but the pipeline of game launches is strong, including a few AAA titles. Together with a strong management with a clear M&A agenda, Embracer Group is well suited for future value-adding acquisitions, which could mean securing more IPs and portfolio expansion. The acquisition of Koch Media further adds new distribution/publishing channels, an opportunity to reach further and wider with the current portfolio and expected pipeline, aligning them for additional growth.
Despite Embracer Group’s broad portfolio, there are risks associated with larger title releases as they have a relatively large impact on sales right after launch. Moreover, disappointing releases or reviews could dent end-customer enthusiasm and hurt the company's finances, especially during the launch period. Delays in planned and ongoing gaming projects could adversely affect the group’s profitability. Acquiring established but temporarily underperforming gaming brands and gradually improving them increases the potential risk of performing below market expectations.
