CVC Capital Partners, in collaboration with Haveli Investments, has announced the acquisition of Jagex, a prominent developer and publisher of video games. The terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. Headquartered in Cambridge, Jagex boasts a global workforce of over 700 individuals and specializes in creating enduring gaming experiences across PC, Mobile, and Console platforms. Notably, RuneScape, its flagship franchise, has amassed a lifetime revenue exceeding $1.5 billion over its 23-year tenure.
In recent years, Jagex has expanded its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including Pipeworks and Gamepires in 2022, thereby enhancing its cross-platform offerings and bolstering its expertise in cultivating dedicated fan communities.
Jagex enjoyed a hugely successful 2023, with record subscribers for its various titles
The company’s successes continued into 2023, marked by record subscriber numbers for RuneScape and Old School RuneScape, as well as the strengthening of its partnership with Gamepires in anticipation of the forthcoming launch of Scum on PC and Console platforms in 2024.
CVC Capital Partners, a prominent private equity firm headquartered in Luxembourg, brings its extensive experience and resources to support Jagex’s growth trajectory. With a diversified portfolio spanning various sectors, including global sports entities like the IPL Team Gujarat Titans, LaLiga, and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), CVC is well-positioned to nurture fan-centric businesses on a global scale. Leveraging its expertise, CVC aims to facilitate Jagex’s sustained subscriber and revenue growth while upholding its community-driven ethos and expanding its portfolio of enduring gaming titles.
I’m delighted to welcome CVC Capital Partners and Haveli Investments as strategic partners for Jagex. CVC and Haveli will help Jagex build on our portfolio of forever games, furthering our aims of supporting and growing our community of forever fans. Together we’ll create more of the experiences our fans love, innovate to empower our players further, and build new forever games that capture imaginations.” He continued, “The support from Carlyle has been exceptional, and that success has positioned Jagex for the future. With the continued growth of our flagship RuneScape franchise, we’re crafting more adventures to delight our forever fans, and we’re excited about the future, as we create new experiences that play to our strengths of putting our communities at the heart of everything we do.
Phil Mansell, CEO, Jagex
Meanwhile, Haveli Investments, based in Austin, Texas, is known for its focus on partnering with innovative companies and management teams. Through its Gaming Fund, Haveli has made strategic investments in notable gaming entities such as Omeda Studios, Behaviour Interactive, and Candivore. Jagex’s acquisition adds to Haveli’s portfolio of forward-thinking gaming ventures, aligning with its commitment to supporting innovative initiatives within the industry.
Previously under the ownership of Carlyle, Jagex’s acquisition marks a new chapter in its journey, building upon past successes while capitalizing on the combined expertise and resources provided by CVC Capital Partners and Haveli Investments.
With a shared vision for driving growth and fostering community engagement, the partnership aims to further solidify Jagex’s position as a leading force in the gaming industry, creating lasting experiences for players worldwide.
What are your thoughts as CVC Capital Partners announced the acquisition of the British developer Jagex in collaboration with Haveli Investments? Let us know in the comments below!
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