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Modern Times Group MTG AB
Modern Times Group MTG AB was founded in 1987 as a Nordic media conglomerate, initially focused on free-to-air television and radio. The company listed on the...
Modern Times Group MTG AB
Modern Times Group MTG AB was founded in 1987 as a Nordic media conglomerate, initially focused on free-to-air television and radio. The company listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in 1993. Maria Redin became CEO in 2022, succeeding Jörgen Madsen Lindemann, who remains chairman. The firm's evolution from traditional broadcasting to digital sports began with its acquisition of ESL in 2015 and FACEIT in 2018, which were merged to form the ESL FACEIT Group. MTG's investment strategy centers on esports and gaming: it owns the world's largest esports tournament organizer, ESL FACEIT Group, which runs titles like Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and League of Legends events. It also holds direct stakes in game development studios, including a minority position in the mobile game developer Miniclip and investments in the gaming platform Znipe Esports. Geographically, the company operates across Europe, North America, and Asia, with tournament production hubs in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles. The company's total deployment is not publicly specified as an AUM figure — MTG is a publicly traded firm on Nasdaq Stockholm. However, its market capitalization was approximately $1.2 billion as of early 2025, reflecting its scale as a publicly listed esports and gaming investment vehicle. The firm's team number is not disclosed beyond executive leadership. A recent operational event occurred in July 2023, when MTG sold its remaining stake in the Nordic broadcasting company Viaplay Group, completing its exit from legacy media to focus on esports. A structural differentiator is MTG's position as a publicly traded company solely dedicated to esports and gaming investments, a rare structure among listed entities. This provides liquidity to shareholders while maintaining operational control over its gaming-subsidiary portfolio. Unlike typical private equity or family office structures, MTG must balance long-term gaming industry plays with quarterly earnings expectations, creating a hybrid between an operating company and an investment holding firm.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
1987
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Europe
Country
Sweden
City
Stockholm
Corporate office
Stockholm, Sweden
Principals
Maria Redin
CEO
Jörgen Madsen Lindemann
Chairman
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who controls investment decisions at Modern Times Group?
Investment decisions at MTG are made by CEO Maria Redin and the board, chaired by Jörgen Madsen Lindemann. The strategy is public because MTG is a listed company on Nasdaq Stockholm, so major transactions require board approval and are disclosed to shareholders.
Does Modern Times Group invest directly in game studios or only through its organiser platforms?
MTG invests both directly and indirectly. It owns ESL FACEIT Group outright, the largest esports tournament organiser globally. It also holds direct minority stakes in game developers and platforms, such as Miniclip and Znipe Esports (per the firm's annual report, 2024).
Is Modern Times Group a single-family office?
No — MTG is a publicly traded company on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. It is not a family office, though it functions as an investment holding vehicle focused on esports. It was formerly controlled by the media group Kinnevik but has been a standalone listed firm since its demerger.
What stages does Modern Times Group target in its investments?
MTG primarily invests in growth-stage esports infrastructure and operational businesses, such as tournament organisers and platforms. It has also taken minority stakes in established game developers. The firm does not typically do early-stage seed investing, focusing instead on assets with proven business models.
How does Modern Times Group source its investment opportunities?
Deal flow comes largely from its operational position — ESL FACEIT Group has relationships with game publishers, teams, and sponsors, which surfaces partnership and acquisition opportunities. MTG's management team also maintains an active network in the global gaming and esports industry.
Where does the wealth underlying Modern Times Group originate?
MTG's origins trace back to Swedish media conglomerate Kinnevik, but the company is now independent with a dispersed shareholder base. Its existing wealth comes from its retained earnings as an operating company and public equity markets.
Does Modern Times Group have any philanthropic structures?
MTG does not publicly disclose a separate philanthropic foundation. The company does participate in industry initiatives, such as supporting diversity in esports through the ESL FACEIT Group, but no independent charitable arm has been identified in public records.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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