Digital Development Management Hires Guillermo Arias to Join Its Investment Services Division
Arias Brings to the World’s Leading Video Games Agency Almost Three Decades of International Experience at Some of the Biggest Multinational Companies in the Financial and Industrial Markets
Northampton, MA – (November 30, 2022) – Digital Development Management (DDM), the world’s leading business and talent agency for video games and digital entertainment, announced today that Guillermo Arias has joined the company to help lead its Investment Services Division, which consults as an M&A broker for companies looking to secure a buyer as well as those looking to source acquisition targets. Already one of the only game-focused M&A brokers in the industry, the addition of Arias differentiates DDM even further as he makes the company a one-stop shop for all its clients’ needs, enabling them to make the most prudent decisions for its future. According to the DDM Games Investment Review, gaming investments hit $2.2 billion in Q3 2022 and are on pace to be the third-highest year ever recorded. Since initiating this service, DDM’s Investment Services division has been responsible for a dozen transactions, including the recent acquisition of M2H’s majority stake in the WW1 Game Series B.V. (i.e., Verdun, Isonzo, etc.) by Focus Entertainment.
In his newly created role, Arias will support the division’s growth by advising DDM’s clientele on valuations, investment structures, and M&A deals. Arias brings to DDM a unique combination of skills that he acquired over the past 26 years working in international finance for some of the biggest multinational companies in the financial and industrial markets, including Bank of America, Phillips Electronics, American Express, and MBNA. Arias also spent more than a decade running his own business advisory firm, during which time he was involved with M&A transactions from the seller and buyer’s side, as well as advising clients from a wide range of industries, including the video game business. Arias will report to DDM Partner and Executive Vice President Maarten de Koning.
“Investments in gaming have exploded in recent years. With all this activity, and as our division continues to grow, it is of the utmost importance we advise our clients appropriately to ensure they understand all financial aspects of any potential transaction. We are thrilled to have Guillermo leveraging his vast experience in this regard.” said de Koning.
Added Arias: “I worked with Maarten on a major project and got to know him and to learn how special DDM is as a company. I am thrilled to join the team to help take DDM’s Investment Services to the next level.”
About Digital Development Management
Digital Development Management (DDM) is the world’s leading video game agency. Founded with a mission to improve the business of video games, we provide the right solutions for development, publishing, distribution, and funding. Over the past decade, we have secured over $1 billion in development deals and more than 750 overall agreements across our services. Our team of industry experts is based in ten international locations, ensuring personal relationships around the globe. With an unsurpassed record of success and an unparalleled roster of clients, we bring together the right partners to tackle video game business opportunities. For more information about DDM, visit www.ddmagency.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.