US video game publisher Devolver’s admission to trading in London is one of the largest ever floats on AIM and illustrates continued consumer and investor enthusiasm for digital gaming.
European law firm Fieldfisher has advised award-winning US video game publisher Devolver Digital, Inc. on its admission to trading to London’s AIM market, raising approximately US$261 million (£190 million) and valuing the company at a US$950 million (£694.6 million) market cap – making it one of the largest ever floats on AIM.
Shares in the company commenced trading at 8am today, Thursday 4 November.
This transaction marks the start of Devolver’s next stage of growth, providing US$50 million of gross proceeds to the company to accelerate its growth strategy and expansion plans. The transaction also included a secondary cash placing of US$211 million for management and existing investors, including strategic investor NetEase, Inc, who retain an investment in the company.
The ground-breaking transaction means Devolver will be the second-largest company (by market capitalisation) ever admitted to trading on AIM and the largest ever US-based operating company to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange across all markets. The placing has seen Devolver receive a significant strategic investment from a key industry player, as well as support from US institutional investors through the 144a placing.
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Austin, Texas and London, UK, Devolver is an award-winning video games publisher in the indie games space.
With an emphasis on curating and publishing premium games, Devolver has a back catalogue of approximately 90 video game titles, including indie cult classics such as Fall Guys, Downwell and Enter the Gungeon.
Devolver has begun to selectively acquire studios and IP that enhance its pipeline and support its long-term international growth strategy.
Since the beginning of 2020, Devolver has acquired five of its long-term partner development studios and a second publishing brand.
The company has approximately 200 team members in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as subsidiaries in the UK, Netherlands, Croatia, Poland and the US.
Devolver works with a number of leading video game providers in the PC (Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle and Epic Games), console (PlayStation and Xbox) and mobile (Apple, Google Play, NetEase Games, BiliBili and Tencent Games) markets.
The company intends to use its AIM listing as a platform to fund its international, long-term growth strategy and increase its profile and brand-awareness globally.
Commenting on Devolver’s successful admission to AIM, Ed Westhead, corporate partner at Fieldfisher said:
“Devolver’s IPO is one of the standout deals on AIM this year and in the history of the junior market, which continues to provide an excellent, globally recognised platform for growing companies to attract capital and build their profile.
“Having recently advised on a number of significant transactions for video games companies, we can attest to the high levels of activity in this sector and the strength of interest in digital leisure activities.
“We wish Devolver the best of luck on its future as London-listed company.“
Douglas Morin, Chief Executive Officer of Devolver Digital, said:
“An IPO is the right choice for us to ensure our continued growth and support even more wonderful games. Most importantly it will allow us to retain our culture.
“Being a public company gives liquidity to our amazing team, all of whom are shareholders. It also gives us access to capital markets to continue investing in our growth strategy and talent.”
Brian Chadwick, Devolver’s General Counsel, said:
“This is a transformational step for Devolver. As a leading US games company, coming to AIM gives us the opportunity to work with people who understand our culture, the commercial drivers in the games industry and what we are trying to achieve.“
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