Private Equity Russia

Almaz Capital, through its Almaz Capital/Cisco Russia Fund, has purchased a 23% equity stake in Novisibirsk-based online game publisher Alawar Entertainment for $3 million, according to Vedemosti. Alawar is a publisher of browser-based “casual” puzzle/adventure games with titles like Farm Frenzy 3, Vampire Saga and The Treasures of Montezuma. The company has over 60 titles with 24 released last year, and also develops games for the iPhone and other smartphone platforms.

Over 50% of the company’s revenues come from the United States and Europe but Alawar has distributed its games in 60 countries. In addition to its own website, the company distributes its games through online gaming portals as well as offers a ‘white label’ solution for web-site owners to launch their own casual games sections.

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