India-based esports company NODWIN Gaming announced Friday that it has acquired Ukraine-based tournament organizer StarLadder in a deal valued at an initial consideration of $5.5M USD (INR 46.75 crores), with a “second part of the consideration payable on meeting the earn-out targets,” according to the official announcement.
Starladder Founder Roman Romantsov will remain in charge of the company’s operations, alongside current employees.
NODWIN has been on an international acquisition spree in recent months; The company owned by India-based Nazara Technologies has acquired Comic Con India, influencer and MCN business Trinity Gaming, the agency business side of AFK Gaming (the editorial side has since been closed in favor of a daily newsletter), European esports and gaming marketing agency Freaks 4U Gaming, West Asia/Turkey-focused gaming/esports marketing agency Ninja Global, and Singapore-based live events company Branded.
NODWIN claims that this acquisition will give Starladder access to “new resources, and new creative and distribution channels,” as well as exposure to new global markets.
“We live in an era of globalization, where the synergy of resources, expertise, and potential drives success and paves the way for future growth,” said Roman Romantsov, founder of StarLadder. “We are thrilled to have found partners and like-minded individuals who share our vision and ambition. Together with NODWIN Gaming, StarLadder is committed to creating extraordinary experiences for fans, delivering unforgettable events across multiple games and regions. Stay tuned for what’s to come!”
Founded in 2011, StarLadder is best known for hosting international Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and PUBG tournaments, though it has worked closely with Tencent over the last three years to operate its social media channels in MENA for PUBG Mobile esports. Before this acquisition, StarLadder was one of the last remaining independent international tournament organizers in the world (no investments from government entities) alongside PGL Esports.