Hachette Livre announces the acquisition of 999 Games, the leading distributor of board games in the Netherlands

999 Games B.V. is a family-owned business founded in 1990 and based outside of Amsterdam, which specializes in distributing board games in the Netherlands and Belgium. Each year, it sells approximately 2.5 million games, distributed across more than 1,000 physical retail locations.

Hachette Livre, a major player in publishing and board games distribution in Europe through its subsidiary Hachette Boardgames, reaffirms its commitment with this acquisition to continue its development in this sector, both in France and internationally.

This operation will enable Hachette Boardgames to strengthen its presence in Europe, where it currently operates in France, the United Kingdom, and the Benelux. 999 Games will open up new markets for Hachette Boardgames’s publishers and authors, while offering opportunities to discover new talent and foster future bestsellers. Hachette Boardgames will also benefit from the new, modern, high-capacity distribution center opened by 999 Games in April 2024 to support its growth.

Isabelle Jeuge-Maynart, CEO of Hachette Boardgames, commented: “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, states: “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.”

Hachette Boardgames is a branch of Hachette Livre devoted to board game publishing. It comprises game publishers Gigamic, Studio H, Funnyfox, Le Scorpion Masqué, Sorry We Are French, Randolph, Catch Up Games and Hiboutatillus, which publishes Blanc Manger Coco. It also includes distributors Gigamic and Blackrock Games in France, Randolph in Canada, Hachette Boardgames USA, Hachette Boardgames UK and Hachette Boardgames Benelux.

Hachette Livre is a subsidiary of Lagardère SA and the world’s third-largest mainstream publishing group (trade and educational). With revenue of €2,873 million in 2024, it is the market leader in France, number two in the UK, third in Spain and fourth in the US (in trade publishing). The Group comprises over 200 imprints which together publish around 15,000 new titles each year in a dozen languages (mainly French, English and Spanish). Hachette Livre covers all segments of the mainstream publishing market: general fiction, nonfiction, paperbacks, children’s and YA books, illustrated books, travel guides, textbooks, study guides and partworks.