Finam Investment Holding acquires a minority stake in Alawar Entertainment, Inc.

Alawar Entertainment, Inc., a global leader in the casual games market, has completed an investment transaction with Finam Investment Holding, one of the largest investment firms in the Russian Federation. Finam has acquired a minority stake in Alawar, whose interests were represented by the law firm of Femida.us and financial advisor ValueTech Advisers. The proceeds of the investment will be used to acquire core assets (including outside development studios), create high-quality casual games, improve casual content distribution technologies and implement in-game advertisements into Alawar's titles.

"Joining forces with Finam gives Alawar both additional financial resources and a trustworthy partner that holds a major position in the Russian segment of the Internet," said Alexander Lyskovsky, Alawar's CEO. "The synergy of the two companies will not only help us to preserve our leadership in the casual games niche but also strengthen our position in the Eastern European market, enabling us to keep up with even the most explosive growth. In addition, this one-of-a-kind transaction shows how the casual games market has finally found the recognition it deserves in financial circles. We are only in the beginning stages of a substantial consolidation and growth of the industry."

"Professional management, effective strategies and a top notch development team enable Alawar to maintain its leadership in Eastern Europe and uphold its status as one of the top casual game companies worldwide," said Alex Basov, director of investments in Finam's IT department and a member of the board of directors. "While Finam's participation certainly strengthen the company's position, we would certainly welcome further strategic partnerships and alliances furthering our goals of implementing Alawar's most aggressive plans."