Hachette Boardgames expands to the Netherlands by buying veteran publisher, distributor 999 Games
French book publishing giant Hachette has continued its expansion in the board game market by acquiring 35-year-old Dutch publisher and distributor 999 Games.
Hachette began a heavy push into board games in 2019 by picking up French tabletop publisher and distributor Gigamic, French distributor Blackrock Games, and by founding in-house publishers Studio H and Funnyfox.
It has since gone on to buy publishers including Le Scorpion Masqué, Sorry We Are French, Catch Up Games, La Boîte de jeu and Hiboutatillus, Canadian board game distributor Randolph, and now runs Hachette branded board game operations in the US, UK and the Benelux region.
The expansion into Dutch distribution pits Hachette Boardgames against tabletop gaming giant Asmodee, which operates in the region through the Enigma distribution business it bought in 2016.
999 Games, which was founded by Michael Bruinsma in 1990, has grown from a one-person board game importer to a major player in the Dutch and Belgian markets, selling about 2.5 million games each year distributed across more than 1,000 physical retailers.
The company competes with publishers in the Netherlands including White Goblin Games, DSV Games and Keep Exploring Games in addition to global players Asmodee and Ravensburger.
Last April 999 expanded into a new distribution centre with 5,000 sq m of floor space at its headquarters in Almere, near Amsterdam.
Isabelle Jeuge-Maynart, CEO of Hachette Boardgames, said, “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of 999 Games, the leading Dutch distributor of board games.
“This strategic addition will enable Hachette Boardgames to continue its international growth and expand its distribution footprint.
“Thanks to the recognised expertise of 999 Games, we will be able to offer fun experiences to wider audiences while also strengthening our leadership in the world of board games.”
Marileen Strengers, keyshareholder of 999 Games, added, “We are handing over 999 Games to Hachette Livre today with confidence.
“We share strong values and a common strategic vision, which gives us full reassurance for the next chapter.
“Deeply committed to our company and brand, we are pleased to see 999 Games continue its development within the Hachette group, while remaining true to the identity and the legacy of our founding father Michael Bruinsma.”
Other distribution deals signed by Hachette Boardgames in the last year have included taking over US distribution rights for Super Meeple from Asmodee USA and the UK rights for Trefl games in October.
Last year 999 Games was in with a chance of a never-before-seen success in all three categories at the Nederlandse Spellenprijs – the Dutch game of the year awards.
The publisher ended up winning the family game award with this year’s Spiel des Jahres winner Sky Team, from Hachette subsidiary Scorpion Masque, which is published by 999 in the Netherlands, but was beaten in the other categories by Asmodee-published Forest Shuffle and Keep Exploring Games’ Sabika.
