EMC Advise Gutter Games on Sale to Amazon Acquirer Perche

October 2021

Deal Type

Business Sale

Our role

Lead Advisor

Leisure, Retail & Consumer

EMC Corporate Finance is delighted to have advised the shareholders of Gutter Games Limited (“Gutter Games”) on their sale to Perch, a leading acquirer and operator of Amazon and other D2C brands at scale.

Gutter Games is a leading UK games publisher specialising in family, party and drinking games. Their product range includes the UK & US bestselling family game “Beat That!” which has reached #1 in the Amazon UK Toys and Games category in the last year.

The business was founded by Kate and Zak Walton when they transformed their hobby of playing party games with friends into a global business. The acquisition will allow the business to continue its strong growth trajectory on both online marketplaces and bricks-and-mortar retail.

Zak Walton, co-founder of Gutter Games said:

“We are delighted to have found a new home for our bestselling product range at Perch. We have been working with EMC from the beginning of the deal process and are delighted to have concluded the transaction with them by our side. Their attention, support and expertise were invaluable during the process.”

Rahul Shewakramani, Head of M&A in Europe at Perch added:

“Gutter Games is a world leading brand in the toys and games sector. We are delighted to be able to be part of the journey going forward and be able to support a UK brand with further international expansion.”

Nik Askaroff, CEO at EMC said:

There was significant demand for Gutter Games as a global bestselling brand. The development and growth that Zak and Kate have built in under five years since inception is hugely impressive and we are delighted to have advised them on the sale. The aggregator market is growing at phenomenal rates and needs special expertise that we were happy to provide.

Michael Gibbs, Director at EMC added:

“The Amazon and E-commerce investment market has rapidly developed over recent years evidenced by neither party being more than five years old. Perch are one the largest players in the sector having been founded in 2019 while Gutter Games is a prime example of a leading Brand selling through online marketplaces that investors are looking to partner with.”

For more information please see the website: Gutter Games.

Gutter Games was advised by EMC Corporate Finance (lead advisors) and DMH Stallard (legal advisors). Perch was advised on this transaction by BDO (financial and tax advisors) and HCR (legal advisors).

About Perch

Perch is a technology-driven commerce company that acquires and operates Amazon third-party and other D2C brands at scale. Perch seeks high-quality products and brands that have a steady history of strong customer reviews, are consistently one of the top three products within their category, and have the potential for expansion. Perch quickly evaluates opportunities, guaranteeing entrepreneurs a 48-hour response on their businesses’ fit with its model and valuation range, providing a fast and risk-free way to understand their company’s potential. For more information, please visit: PerchHQ.

The EMC Team

Michael Gibbs